Singer Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, describing the condition as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically”.

The former NSYNC star shared the news on Thursday in an Instagram post commemorating his Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped in Turkey on Wednesday.

The SexyBack singer, who described himself as a private person, told his 72 million followers that he considered ending the tour when diagnosed.

“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” he wrote.

It followed criticism of some of his performances this week. Footage that went viral drew comments from fans noting Timberlake’s reliance on the backing track.

“Where is the audience performing next?” one user joked, referring to Timberlake asking the crowd to sing his song Can’t Stop The Feeling.

“Dude took a day off on stage,” write TikToker Themutesinger on footage of a concert in Romania.

On Thursday, Timberlake said that ultimately he had “decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going”.

Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint paint and other symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is successfully treated with antibiotics.

“I honestly don’t know what my future is onstage, but I’ll always cherish this run! And all of them before! It’s been the stuff of legend for me,” Timberlake wrote.

Timberlake cancelled and postponed multiple shows throughout the tour’s run, citing health issues including bronchitis and laryngitis. Six of his US shows were postponed from October and November to February, the singer announced on Instagram.

He ultimately cancelled the last show of the US leg of the tour in Ohio due to the flu in February.

Representatives for Timberlake did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.

In 2024, Timberlake pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in New York’s Hamptons. As part of his plea deal, the singer made a public safety announcement in September, urging drivers not to get behind the wheel after drinking.

The 10-time Grammy winner ended Thursday’s post thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin.

“Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way,” he wrote.

-with AAP