7 Things Shawn Mendes Has Said About The 'Gay' Rumors That Won't Die

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The question of Shawn Mendes’s sexuality has been a persistent, years-long conversation in the media and among his fans, a level of public scrutiny that few other artists face. As of December 22, 2025, the Canadian singer-songwriter has consistently and candidly addressed the speculation, making it clear that the nature of his identity is a deeply personal journey, not a public spectacle.

The latest updates and his most definitive statements in late 2024 and throughout 2025 confirm that Mendes is still navigating his personal truth, publicly stating that he is "just figuring it out." This article breaks down the history of the persistent rumors, his most recent comments, and how he has maintained his privacy while remaining an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally.

Shawn Mendes: Complete Biography and Profile

Shawn Peter Raul Mendes is a globally recognized Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician. His rise to fame began on the video-sharing application Vine, where he gained a massive following by posting song covers in 2013.

  • Full Name: Shawn Peter Raul Mendes
  • Date of Birth: August 8, 1998
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
  • Place of Birth: Pickering, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Parents: Karen Mendes (Real Estate Agent, English descent) and Manuel Mendes (Businessman, Portuguese descent)
  • Sister: Aaliyah Mendes
  • Career Start: 2013, posting song covers on Vine.
  • Breakthrough Hit: "Stitches" (2015)
  • Notable Albums: Handwritten (2015), Illuminate (2016), Shawn Mendes (2018), Wonder (2020)
  • Notable Singles: "Stitches," "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," "Treat You Better," "Señorita" (with Camila Cabello)
  • Current Status: Continues to release new music and tour globally, focusing on mental health and personal growth in his public narrative.

The Origins of the Persistent 'Gay' Rumors

The speculation about Shawn Mendes’s sexuality began almost immediately after his rise to mainstream fame. This phenomenon is often attributed to a combination of factors, including his mannerisms, his fashion choices, and the highly gendered expectations placed upon male pop stars by the public and media. The constant questioning has been a source of frustration for the artist for years.

The rumor mill often focuses on two main points: his sensitive image and his close friendships. In 2016, he first addressed the issue in a Snapchat video, expressing his frustration that people were fixating on his sexuality instead of his music. He stated clearly at the time that he was not gay, but the rumors persisted, highlighting a societal tendency to police the presentation of masculinity in public figures.

The intense scrutiny led to an emotional toll, which Mendes has openly discussed. He described the constant need to prove his straight identity as exhausting and anxiety-inducing, saying the rumors felt like a massive "intrusion" into his private life. This public pressure is a common experience for celebrities whose presentation does not conform to traditional, narrow definitions of male behavior.

Despite the rumors, Mendes has consistently maintained his position as an LGBTQ+ ally, speaking out in support of the community. He used his platform to weigh in on issues like Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill, showing solidarity with the community regardless of his own personal identity.

Shawn Mendes's Definitive Statement: "I'm Just Figuring It Out"

In his most recent and candid public addresses, Shawn Mendes has shifted his response from a defensive denial to an honest and open acknowledgment of his personal journey. This change in approach is what constitutes the most significant and fresh update on the issue.

During a concert in late 2024, a statement that has since been widely reported and discussed, Mendes addressed the audience directly about the years of speculation. He made a powerful, definitive statement that moved beyond labels: "The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I'm just figuring it out like everyone," he said. "I don't really know sometimes and I know other times."

This statement, made directly to his fans, was not a coming-out but an expression of self-discovery. It provided a powerful message that a person's sexuality is fluid and that it is perfectly normal to be in a process of understanding oneself, regardless of their celebrity status. The concert venue became a safe space for this vulnerable admission, which was met with widespread support from the LGBTQ+ community and fans alike.

This newer, more nuanced response effectively shuts down the demand for a simple "yes" or "no" answer, reframing the conversation around self-acceptance and authenticity. It suggests that the label—whether straight, gay, or bisexual—is less important than the journey of understanding his own identity.

High-Profile Relationships as a Counter-Narrative

The recurring rumors about Mendes's sexuality are often juxtaposed with his very public and high-profile relationships with women, which serve as a counter-narrative in the media. His dating history is frequently scrutinized as "proof" of his heterosexuality, even though private relationships do not necessarily define a person's overall sexual orientation.

The Camila Cabello Saga

Shawn Mendes's most famous relationship was with fellow singer Camila Cabello. The two began publicly dating in July 2019, shortly after the release of their hit duet, "Señorita." Their relationship, affectionately dubbed "ShawMila" by fans, was highly publicized, featuring numerous joint appearances and social media posts.

They announced their amicable breakup in November 2021. However, the story didn't end there. In a major update in 2023 and continuing into 2024, the couple sparked intense reunion rumors after being seen together at Coachella and on several outings, suggesting they were attempting to rekindle their romance. While their reunion was brief, the public nature of their relationship consistently dominated headlines, often overshadowing the quieter, more persistent sexuality rumors.

Other Notable Relationships

Mendes's dating history also includes other public figures and rumored flames, which the media has used to fuel or counter the gay speculation:

  • Hailey Bieber (2017-2018): Mendes and model Hailey Bieber were rumored to be dating and even attended the Met Gala together in 2018, though they maintained they were just friends.
  • Sabrina Carpenter (2022-2023): Mendes was rumored to be dating singer Sabrina Carpenter, with the two spotted together on various occasions.
  • Jocelyne Miranda (2022): He was also linked to his chiropractor, Jocelyne Miranda, in 2022.

These relationships, particularly the long, on-again, off-again saga with Camila Cabello, represent a complex layer in the narrative surrounding his identity. While they confirm his attraction to women, they do not inherently negate the possibility of a broader sexuality, such as bisexuality, which is a key part of the curiosity surrounding the topic.

The Impact of Scrutiny and the Path Forward

The constant public inquiry into Shawn Mendes's sexuality is a clear example of the pressure placed on modern celebrities, particularly men, to conform to rigid identity boxes. His decision to address the rumors by stating he is "figuring it out" is an act of defiance against this pressure and an embrace of personal honesty.

The topical authority on this subject is no longer about proving or disproving a rumor; it is about respecting a person's right to self-discovery. Mendes has effectively shifted the narrative from external judgment to internal exploration. His ongoing journey—unfolding in real-time as he releases new music and lives his life—serves as a powerful message to his global fanbase: identity is personal, complex, and doesn't require a public announcement for validation.

Ultimately, the latest updates from Shawn Mendes himself are the most important. He is a young man navigating his life, and his candidness about the confusion and the journey is perhaps the most authentic answer the public will ever receive. The focus remains on his incredible career, his heartfelt lyrics, and his powerful voice, while respecting his right to figure out his personal life, just like everyone else.

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