US Buzz From Justin Timberlake To Justin Bieber: 10 Celebrities Who Have Battled Lyme Disease Authored by : Naman Trivedi Updated Aug 1, 2025, 01:18 IST Several celebrities, including Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Shania Twain, have opened up about their battles with Lyme disease. The tick-borne illness caused symptoms like fatigue, nerve pain, and brain fog. Their stories highlight the disease’s physical and emotional toll, raising awareness and encouraging early detection and treatment.

Photo : AP

Justin Timberlake

Lyme disease is a serious tick-borne illness that can cause chronic symptoms ranging from nerve pain and fatigue to brain fog and emotional distress. Over the years, several high-profile celebrities have shared their experiences with the disease in an effort to raise awareness and support others. Here’s a closer look at 10 stars who have opened up about their personal battles with Lyme.

1. Justin Timberlake In July 2025, while touring globally on his Forget Tomorrow tour, Justin Timberlake revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease. He spoke candidly about performing through severe nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness, explaining how the illness had affected him physically and mentally. Despite the toll, Timberlake chose to continue performing, stating that the joy he finds on stage helped him push through.

2. Alec Baldwin Alec Baldwin gave an emotional speech in 2017 at a Lyme disease fundraiser, revealing he once believed he might die from the illness. Alone and undiagnosed at the time, Baldwin described lying in bed, terrified and unsure if he’d survive. His story highlighted the seriousness of Lyme disease and the emotional toll it can take on those who feel isolated during their health battles.

3. Alexis Ohanian The Reddit co-founder shocked fans in July 2024 by announcing that he had Lyme disease, discovered through a full-body scan. He reported feeling no symptoms at the time but immediately began treatment. Ohanian admitted the diagnosis surprised him, given his limited exposure to typical tick-prone environments, but took a proactive approach to recovery.

4. Justin Bieber Pop star Justin Bieber disclosed in January 2020 that he had been battling Lyme disease since mid-2019. He addressed public speculation about his appearance, saying critics didn’t realize his health issues were due to a serious illness. Bieber shared that the disease made for a rough couple of years, but with the right treatment, he was on the path to recovery and eager to return stronger.

5. Bella Hadid The model has been battling Lyme disease since her teenage years. At the 2016 Global Lyme Alliance Gala, she shared how the disease forced her to give up horseback riding, a passion she once pursued daily. Bella described enduring years of bone pain, exhaustion, brain fog, and anxiety — a struggle that often left her unable to get out of bed. After 15 years, she announced in 2023 that she was finally feeling healthy.

6. Amy Schumer In 2020, comedian Amy Schumer revealed on Instagram that she had contracted Lyme disease, possibly years before her diagnosis. Sharing a throwback photo of her childhood fishing trip, Schumer expressed confusion about the disease and sought advice from her followers. Despite her diagnosis, she remained optimistic, noting that she was already feeling better on antibiotics.

7. Avril Lavigne Diagnosed in 2014, Avril Lavigne spent five months bedridden, unaware that a tick bite could have such devastating effects. She later found renewed purpose through her experience, launching her own foundation to support Lyme research and awareness. Lavigne said the experience taught her patience and made her appreciate life’s simplest moments, like getting out of bed and making a cup of coffee.

8. Shania Twain Country music legend Shania Twain opened up about her private battle with Lyme disease after it severely impacted her vocal cords. She developed dysphonia, a condition that made singing extremely difficult and led her to fear she might never perform again. Twain eventually found her way back to the stage through rigorous therapy and extensive vocal training.

9. Ben Stiller Actor and director Ben Stiller was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2010 after visiting Nantucket, Massachusetts. Although he became symptom-free within a year, Stiller acknowledged that Lyme disease often lingers in the body. He called the illness “really tough” and emphasized the importance of early detection and proper care.