Celebrities Who Have Lyme Disease and What They’ve Said

Celebrities Share Their Struggles with Lyme Disease: Stories from Justin Timberlake, Bella Hadid, and More

Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, affects approximately 476,000 Americans every year, leading to symptoms such as rash, flu-like symptoms, arthritis, facial palsy, and irregular heartbeats. In recent years, several celebrities have come forward to share their battles with Lyme disease, shedding light on the challenges they’ve faced with their health. Stars like Justin Timberlake, Bella Hadid, Ben Stiller, and Shania Twain have bravely opened up about their experiences with the disease.

Justin Timberlake, during his Forget Tomorrow world tour in July 2025, disclosed his Lyme disease diagnosis. He recounted performing through nerve pain and fatigue, highlighting the debilitating impact of the disease on both his mental and physical well-being. Timberlake emphasised the importance of mental tenacity and shared his decision to continue touring despite the challenges he faced, aiming to raise awareness and connect with others going through similar struggles.

Among other celebrities, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian revealed his Lyme disease diagnosis in July 2024 after undergoing full-body scans. He expressed gratitude for being asymptomatic and shared his treatment plans with antibiotics. Real Housewives of New York City alum Leah McSweeney, in a vulnerable Instagram story, shared her recent Lyme disease diagnosis, seeking support and healing stories from her followers. Singer Fletcher also opened up about her Lyme battle in September 2023, discussing the toll it has taken on her physical health and singing career.

Yolanda Hadid, a former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, has been an advocate for Lyme disease awareness, sharing her personal struggles with the illness. Her daughter, Bella Hadid, has also been vocal about her Lyme journey, detailing how the disease affected her passion for horseback riding and daily life. Bella’s brother, Anwar Hadid, also lives with Lyme disease, underscoring the impact it can have on families.

In a Vanity Fair cover story in 2023, Riley Keough disclosed her Lyme disease diagnosis, which influenced her decision to choose surrogacy for starting a family. The singer’s battle with Lyme has shaped her daily life and health decisions, leading her to seek holistic treatments to alleviate symptoms. Similarly, Ryan Sutter, known from The Bachelorette, shared his Lyme disease and mold exposure struggles, emphasizing the challenges he faced and the importance of advocacy and support from loved ones.

Bachelor alumna Kelley Flanagan revealed her Lyme disease diagnosis in August 2021, expressing a mix of relief and determination to combat the disease. Singer Debbie Gibson, despite her Lyme battle, participated in Dancing with the Stars, highlighting the importance of listening to her body’s limits and pushing through challenges. These stories of resilience and determination inspire others facing similar health battles to seek treatment and support while prioritising their well-being.

Celebrities like Kelly Dodd, Amy Schumer, and Avril Lavigne have also shared their experiences with Lyme disease, raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about the impact of the illness on their lives. From struggles with vocal issues to lifestyle adjustments, each celebrity’s journey with Lyme disease offers insights into the complexities of managing chronic illnesses and the power of sharing personal stories to connect with others.

By sharing their Lyme disease stories, celebrities not only raise awareness about the illness but also inspire others to seek help, advocate for their health, and find strength in facing health challenges. The courage and resilience displayed by these public figures serve as a reminder that no one is alone in their battle against Lyme disease, and by coming together, we can support one another in overcoming health obstacles.