Justin Timberlake is the latest celeb to announce a Lyme disease diagnosis. Somehow, he’s been touring with the debilitating condition, which is a serious bacterial infection transmitted to humans via blacklegged ticks, per the CDC. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure,” the singer wrote on Instagram in a vulnerable post about Lyme. “But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.” While most cases of Lyme disease can be easily treated with a few weeks of antibiotics, the CDC warns that “infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system” if left untreated.

I swear to god, celebs seem to get Lyme disease as often as us civilians might get the common cold. Justin and Hailey Bieber, Mark Ruffalo, Shania Twain, and a bunch of other famous folk have been open about their experiences with the illness. Fletcher even wrote an album inspired by her recovery, titled In Search of the Antidote. So, why do so many celebrities get Lyme disease? There’s not one definitive answer, but there’s a pretty convincing theory. Here’s what we know about the phenomenon, plus a roundup of celebs who’ve been open about their Lyme disease journeys.

How Do Celebs Get Lyme Disease?

Why Are So Many Celebs Diagnosed With Lyme Disease?

The CDC estimates that about 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year. That’s about 1.4 percent of the American population, so it feels like a disproportionate amount of celebs have had it.

One leading theory is that ticks are especially prevalent in the Hamptons, which is obviously a popular destination for lots of celebs. According to East Hampton Family Medicine, “Getting bit almost seems inevitable out here on the East End, that’s why it’s important to do the most you can to prevent them!” The Bay Area Lyme Foundation also notes that ticks carrying Lyme disease are particularly common in the area, making exposure more likely for those who visit often.

Also, Lyme disease is really tricky to diagnose sometimes, and celebs usually have access to the very best medical care. “Many cases of Lyme disease are initially misdiagnosed,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center. “Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms of fever, severe fatigue, and achiness are also common in many other illnesses.”

Celebs Who’ve Had Lyme Disease

Justin Timberlake

Justin revealed his diagnosis on July 31, 2025. “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 on Instagram. “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”

Fletcher

The pop star battled Lyme disease in 2023 and revealed that it impacted her vocal cords. “It changed my voice a lot, my vocal cords a lot,” she shared. “And so I had to let go of this idea of a perfect vocal take or a sound that I was so attached to having prior.”

Justin and Hailey Bieber

During an appearance on Women’s Health UK podcast Going for Goal, Hailey opened up about her and Justin’s struggles with the disease. “Lyme disease is an interesting thing because a lot of people don’t believe it’s real, and a lot of people think it’s BS,” she said. “But I’ve had it before, I’ve dealt with it. My husband has it and deals with it very deeply. I think it’s about finding the right doctors who believe in getting to the bottom of any health issues that you might have.”

Bella, Yolanda, and Anwar Hadid

Yolanda, Bella, and Anwar have all been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease. “Watching my babies struggle in silence to support me in my journey struck the deepest core of hopelessness inside of me,” Yolanda said at the Global Lyme Alliance inaugural gala in 2015.

Avril Lavigne

“I was in bed for fucking two years,” Avril told Billboard in 2018. “It went undiagnosed for so long that I was kind of fucked.” Doctors put her on multiple antibiotics and antimalarials.

Ben Stiller

The actor and director was diagnosed with Lyme disease back in 2010. “I’m symptom-free now,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2011, “but Lyme doesn’t ever leave your system. It’s a really tough thing.”

Shania Twain

The country star contracted the disease in 2003 when she was bitten by a tick while horseback riding. “That stops the touring. It stops everything,” she told Reel Stories host Dermot O’Leary. “I wanted to make a new album, because my voice wouldn’t go there. I really thought ‘that’s it,’ I’m never gonna be able to sing again.”

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo revealed he had Lyme disease in 2017. The actor wrote on X, “Lyme disease sucks, I know.” When someone replied, “I’m finally treating my Lyme after more than a decade. It has altered my entire life,” Mark commented, “Me too.” He’s described his experience with the disease as “brutal, persistent, and misdiagnosed.” In 2022, he released a documentary about Lyme disease titled The Quiet Epidemic. 

Amy Schumer

In 2020, the comedian shared that she was diagnosed and may have already had the condition “for years.” Amy noted that she was taking doxycycline, a drug typically used to treat Lyme. “I also want to say that I feel good and am excited to get rid of it,” she said.