Bella Hadid - like her mother Yolanda - has Lyme disease. The supermodel was diagnosed with the tick-borne illness when she was a child, meaning that she regularly suffers from exhaustion, joint pain and fatigue. However, rather than be secretive about the illness, Bella has become a campaigner for Lyme disease awareness and has often spoken truthfully about the illness.

It was revealed that Bella had Lyme disease during an episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Yolanda revealed that her daughter was diagnosed with the disease, something which her fellow castmates struggled to believe.

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Lisa Vanderpump claimed that Bella's father, Mohamed Hadid, had told her that his children were fine - and clearly implied that Yolanda wasn't telling the truth. The claim sparked drama and led to Mohamed releasing a statement about the whole ordeal.

Mohamad ended up issuing a statement in which he clarified, "I can only imagine that my response to a question asking how my kids are doing with 'fine' was misconstrued. I have too much respect for all five of my children to speak about them publicly ... in a restaurant or otherwise. I won't speak further on something that should now be put to rest."

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Bella spent the early part of her life living on a farm, and it was here that her mom thinks she was bitten by a tick.

"There are millions of cases worldwide," she explained on Real Housewives. "We lived on a horse ranch, we had ticks everywhere, every day of their life."

She also took to her personal blog to explain that Bella "had to give up her lifelong dream of having a professional riding career and a shot at the Olympics due to her severe symptoms and inability to ride. This was the biggest heartbreak of her life and an extremely sensitive subject for her."

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While Yolanda has done plenty of talking on behalf of her daughter, Bella hasn't shied away from talking about her battles with the illness. In an interview with the Evening Standard, Bella said that "it was a dark time" when she first got sick.

"I was exhausted all the time. It affected my memory so I suddenly wouldn’t remember how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu where I lived. I couldn’t ride. I was just too sick. And I had to sell my horse because I couldn’t take care of it." She also told Porter, "I couldn’t get out of bed for six days. And my brain would get all foggy, and I couldn’t see. That was the hardest time of my life."

Bella is also intolerant of the antibiotics that tend to be used when treating Lyme disease, with the model having to take alternative medicine.

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Due to her stature in the world and the fact that she is open about the struggles of having Lyme disease, Bella was honoured at the Global Lyme Alliance and gave a powerful and emotional speech.

During her speech at the 2016 gala, the supermodel spoke candidly about the effects of her illness: "Life isn't always what it looks like on the outside, and the hardest part of this journey is to be judged by the way you look instead of the way you feel." Bella added that she felt like her "teenage years were taken" from her.

She also made time to dedicate the award to "all the teenagers out there that have really gone through what I'm going through and have suffered from this disease without an end in sight."

Fair play to Bella for using her platform to talk about a disease which isn't often spoken about. The more celebrities that use their platform like her, the more awareness will spread.

The real reason why so many stars like Bella Hadid and Justin Timberlake are battling Lyme disease has been revealed.

Earlier this year, Timberlake, 44, shared a heartfelt message to fans on Instagram, opening up about the health struggles he’s faced behind the scenes of his world tour.

“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” the Grammy-winner began. “But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.

“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 continued.

The 'Cry Me A River' hitmaker described the illness as "relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically".

"When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure," he continued. “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."

Timberlake said he faced a challenging decision: Stop touring or keep pushing forward.

“I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going,” he wrote. “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget.”

The 'Mirrors' singer also admitted he was reluctant to talk about his condition, saying: “I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

Sources close to the singer shared an update in December 2025, telling People: "Justin seems to be doing okay. He’s prioritising his health after the gruelling tour and Lyme disease diagnosis.

"[Wife Jessica Biel] is supportive. She wants him healthy."

Bella Hadid’s Ongoing Struggle with Lyme Disease

Timberlake is not the only celebrity facing the challenges of Lyme disease, as the 28-year-old model, who was diagnosed in 2012, has also been vocal about the illness.

Her mother, Yolanda, recently shared an emotional post on Instagram, expressing her deep pain as she watches her daughter struggle with the condition.

"Watching my Bella struggle in silence has cut the deepest core of hopelessness inside me. The invisible disability of chronic neurological Lyme disease is hard to explain or understand for anyone," she wrote.

Yolanda praised her daughter’s courage in the face of a disease that has left her with a range of horrible symptoms, including irregular heartbeat, mood swings, joint pain, nausea, insomnia, headaches, and brain fog.

"You are relentless and courageous. No child is suppose to suffer in their body with an incurable chronic disease," she said. "I admire your bravery and your willingness to keep fighting for health despite the failing protocols and countless setbacks you have faced."

The Facts and Symptoms

According to Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites.

Dr. Sanjay Mehta, a general practitioner at the London General Practice, described the condition as “an infection caused by a group of bacteria transmitted through an infected tick, giving you a specific set of symptoms," per The Independent.

The disease typically starts with a bullseye-shaped rash, though not everyone experiences this symptom.

Other common symptoms include flu-like illness, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and nerve issues. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term neurological symptoms and joint problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 476,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed and treated each year, with the number of tick bites increasing as temperatures rise.

The increasing number of celebrities who have been diagnosed has sparked discussions about why this illness seems to be affecting so many high-profile individuals.

Experts suggest several factors, such as lifestyle, may contribute to this trend, as many well-known people live in countryside estates or rural areas, such as the Hamptons or Malibu canyons, which are known to be tick-prone.

As Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of East Anglia, explained: “If there is a rich and famous or class bias in this, it’s probably because they spend more time walking around in wooded parkland, more money to go out to those areas, or have big homes with these sorts of places," per Daily Mail.

Additionally, celebrities often have quicker access to healthcare, which means they are more likely to be diagnosed early.

With their massive social media followings, their stories about Lyme disease reach a broader audience, amplifying the perception that the disease is more prevalent among the rich and famous.

Featured image credit:Michael Buckner / Getty

Justin Timberlake has opened up about his diagnosis of Lyme disease after revealing he'd been "battling some health issues".

On Thursday (July 31), the 44-year-old music icon revealed that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, joining a growing list of high-profile stars - including Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and Alec Baldwin - who have spoken publicly about their experience with the illness.

“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,” Timberlake shared in a candid Instagram post.

The 'SexyBack' singer said the condition has been “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”

He explained: “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”

Timberlake’s announcement comes after more than a year on the road with his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April 2024, shortly after his latest album Everything I Thought It Was.

As the tour progressed, fans noted signs of exhaustion and questioned his performance quality online.

The 'Mirrors' superstar addressed the speculation directly: “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.

“Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget,” he continued. “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

The tour’s success has been undeniable as Timberlake ranked 10th in Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report, grossing $73.2 million across 41 shows as of late May.

Experts say the disease, while relatively rare, can be serious. “Lyme disease is an infection caused by a group of bacteria transmitted through an infected tick, giving you a specific set of symptoms,” explained Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP at the London General Practice.

Only infected ticks can transmit the disease, and it’s typically contracted in wooded or grassy areas, The Independent reported.

The illness can present in a variety of ways, from flu-like symptoms and a rash to more severe nerve, joint, and neurological issues if left untreated.

Dr Mehta noted: “Those patients tend to get three stages of symptoms… long-term joint problems and neurological symptoms” can develop in a small number of cases.

In the US, experts have warned of an uptick in tick populations due to warming temperatures. May and June 2025 saw the highest number of ER visits for tick bites during those months since 2019, according to CDC data.

Timberlake, who began his career on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club and rose to fame with *NSync before launching a solo career, said he hopes his experience will help others. “I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease,” he said.

Fans have responded with overwhelming support. “Well, this explains a couple of things... the only thing we're sure of is that you have incredible talent and professionalism," wrote one.

"Every show was impactful, full of magic, and for that we are grateful. We will always support your every step, because we love you and know all the sacrifice that a tour entails. It's time for a break. We love you, JT. We hope you come back to our Chile when you return,” they added.

Another shared: “As someone who has battled Lyme disease for 23 yrs I want to say thank you for sharing your story & raising awareness & I am sending all the love & prayers for your healing.”

Featured image credit: Anadolu / Getty

Bella Hadid has been praised for bravely opening up about her mental-health struggles in a candid Instagram post, sharing a series of close-up photos of herself in tears.

The 25-year-old supermodel said she was inspired to publicly share her experience with anxiety and depression after watching a video of her friend Willow Smith speaking candidly about her own insecurities.

"I Love you and your words. It made me feel a little less alone and that's why I'd like to post this," she wrote in the caption, addressing Smith directly.

She then transcribed Smith's words in the video, writing: "That feeling of thinking that you're good enough or being insecure about your art- is natural- but at the same time, I feel like it's taught. All humans are different, every single human has something so special and unique to offer."

Per BBC, she went on: "People forget that everyone is basically feeling the same way: lost, confused, not really sure why they're here. That anxiety, like, everyone is feeling that - and trying to cover it up in some way.

"We're gonna come together in our flaws. In our insecurities, in our joy, in our happiness, and accept it all as beautiful and natural. "

Hadid then shared her own personal story alongside several photos of herself crying.

"This is pretty much my every day, every night For a few years now," the model told her 47 million Instagram followers.

"Social media is not real. For anyone struggling, please remember that. Sometimes all you've gotta hear is that you're not alone. So from me to you, you're not alone. I love you, I see you, and I hear you.

"Self-help and mental illness/chemical imbalance is not linear and it is almost like a flowing rollercoaster of obstacles… it has its ups and downs, and side to sides," she wrote.

Hadid went on to say that "there is always light at the end of the tunnel," although it's been challenging for her to remember that "it does get better."

"I've had enough breakdowns and burnouts to know this: if you work hard enough on yourself, spending time alone to understand your traumas, triggers, joys, and routine, you will always be able to understand or learn more about your own pain and how to handle it. Which is all that you can ask of yourself. Anyways," she wrote.

She finished by saying that it feels "harder and harder to not share my truth" on her account. "Thank you for seeing me and thank you for listening. I love you."

Featured image credit: dpa picture alliance / Alamy

A woman with Lyme disease has spoken out about her decision to ditch her doctors’ advice, and instead opt to sting herself with bees up to 30 times a week in order to manage her symptoms.

In 2015, Brittany Elliott’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease - a bacterial infection that can cause unbearable pain and fatigue.

The infection stemmed from a tick bite that Brittany suffered during a camping trip in San Diego at the age of seven - fifteen years before her diagnosis.

Speaking to VT about her illness, the now-28-year-old Brittany revealed that “there wasn’t a lot of awareness” about Lyme disease when she was bitten.

After her mom noticed the tick bite, Brittany was taken to a doctor who proceeded to “light” it out, and she was sent home with “zero antibiotics and zero supplements”.

Nevertheless, she would live the next 15 years of her life like any other kid.

“Growing up, I was honestly pretty healthy,” she told VT. “I was outgoing and fearless. Nothing was stopping me”.

However, during her time at college, Brittany started feeling more and more fatigued. But it wasn’t until she graduated and moved into her new home that she knew something was seriously wrong.

After living for a month in a property that she describes as being “covered in mold”, she said her brain just “turned off”.

“Something really weird happened. I was waking up with extreme dizziness, I felt so ‘out-of-body’, I was so shaky, I was so… off,” she said. “I kid you not, it happened overnight.”

After being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Brittany - who now lives in Denver, Colorado - did what most people would do and followed the advice of her doctors.

Nearly a year into her treatment and she was spending $1,000-$2,000 every month and taking “50-60 medically-endorsed pills a day”. The extensiveness of her treatment meant that Brittany was unable to maintain a social life.

But as well as crippling her financially and stealing away her social life, Brittany was also left with the heartbreaking realization that her treatments were not working.

Then one day, while browsing a Lyme disease community Facebook page, Brittany was introduced to Bee Venom Therapy (BVT).

“Here I was on modern medicine, taking 50-60 pills throughout the day, not getting better - then I kept seeing these testimonials raving about Bee Venom Therapy,” she said.

BVT is a form of apitherapy that involves the therapeutic use of honey bee venom, in which the patient either injects the venom into their body with needles or directly from live honey bees through stings.

Due to a lack of extensive research, BVT is not a medically endorsed treatment in the US or UK, and charities such as Lyme Disease UK urge people not to attempt BVT without precautionary measures and the observation of a medical professional.

That being said, marketing manager Brittany explained that BVT has allowed her to finally “live her life again”.

“People say I’m crazy for doing Bee Venom Therapy, but everyone I know who has switched from that route to where we are now says that it’s a night and day difference,” she said.

Admittedly, Brittany was “hesitant and fearful” of trying the treatment herself for the first time, but after researching BVT over the course of a year, she finally decided to give it a go.

So, how does it work? Well, Brittany told me that, every month, she receives a stock of live bees in a small container from supporting beekeepers.

She then transfers the bees into a bee hut (which she now sells on Etsy), where they live until she is ready to use them for stinging. Until then, she feeds them raw organic honey to keep them hydrated and nourished.

“I was terrified the first time I got my bee shipment. I was shaking in my boots,” she told VT. “We have been raised to fear these amazing, beautiful, gentle creatures - so I was terrified.”

And explaining the stinging process, Brittany said: “I do ice [the area] before, so the pain isn’t that bad, but regardless, the adrenaline and the anxiety that came with that first sting was just insane.”

When I asked Brittany about the pain caused by the stings, she tells me: “The amount of pain and suffering that we go through as Lyme patients - and it’s invisible so it’s hard for people to really tell - but, that in comparison to a bee sting is nothing.”

Brittany openly admits that she did not feel better immediately, and said that the first few months trying BVT “were not easy” - but she chose to stick with it.

“Spiritually and mentally I just knew it was working,” she said.

And after eight months on BVT, Brittany started to feel better - much better than she ever had when taking antibiotics.

Now, she stings herself 10 times every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, meaning she endures 30 bee stings a week.

“I do it in the mornings for about 30 minutes, then I’m on with my day,” she said.

Brittany now shares her BVT journey to her social media channels, where she posts under the name BritterBeez.

And, as to be expected with such a controversial form of therapy, Brittany is constantly facing criticism for opting to use BVT, with some people branding her “cruel” and a “bee killer”.

But she shrugs off these comments, and insists that her payment for the bees will eventually help the bee populations “further down the line”.

Additionally, she tells me that bees are her “only way out.”

“Nobody knows until they’re actually going through it,” she said. “I wouldn’t be doing it unless it was a necessity.

“Any beekeeper that I’ve talked to, I have their full support.

“We are getting [the bees] from certified beekeepers, and these beekeepers - out of anyone in the world - are the ones who love bees and know how amazing their impact is on our world. And if they’re okay with it, everyone should be.”

The bees that are sent to Brittany are “at the end of their lifespan” with about “2-3 weeks left to live”.

“They are worker bees, and have already done their work within the hive,” she said. “What I use in three years is what one queen will lay in three days.

“It has zero impact on the health of the hive.”

She added: “I see it as the full circle of life, and I know everybody isn’t going to see it that way. But the end of their life is giving me mine back.”

Speaking about the other threats bees are facing, Brittany said: “I don't think people realize just how many bees are just, for one, naturally dying. More bees naturally die than what we’ll use within the entire [treatment] span.”

She added: “Pesticides, EMFs, almond farms - all of these things that contribute to bee die-offs are really where we should be putting our focus.”

Brittany knows that BVT isn’t for everyone, and has seen many of her friends in the Lyme community heal using other ways. That being said, she wants people in her situation to listen to their own bodies.

“I am not the first person to do [BVT], and I don’t claim to be. What I really want to do is spread awareness and let people know that it is out there.”

“There are still a lot of people out there - and I do think it’s a generational thing - that are still just believing anything their doctor says, even if they don’t feel better.”

And she insisted: “I am a huge bee lover and this is changing my life for the better... It’s just a matter of spreading awareness and letting people heal.”

Putting the trolls to the back of her mind, Brittany said: “I just remember why I’m doing this, and that is to help other people.

Now, Brittany’s inbox is full of people thanking her for introducing them to BVT and sharing their stories about how their lives have improved.

“That overrides any negative comment I’ve ever got,” she told me.

And desperate to give back to the bees, Brittany now dreams of one day being an apitherapist, as well as caring for her own hives.

“My goal is to have a bee shop in California and to be able to sting people and help people heal,” she said.

However, until BVT is a licensed treatment in the US, Brittany’s dream is on hold. Nevertheless, she believes Bee Venom Therapy will be “bigger than we anticipated”.

And to keep up with Brittany's journey, you can follow her here:

• Website: BritterBeez.com
• Instagram: @BritterBeez
• TikTok: @BritterBeez