Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter known for his chart-topping hits, recently opened up about the ongoing speculation surrounding his sexuality. This topic has been a point of discussion for years, with the artist frequently being scrutinized online for what some have referred to as “gay vibes.” In a candid statement, Shawn expressed his frustration with the fact that people continue to label him and jump to conclusions about his personal life, even in today’s progressive age.

The rumors surrounding Shawn’s sexuality seemed to intensify following the release of his 2021 music video for Summer of Love. The video, featuring Shawn enjoying a carefree vacation with friends in Spain, was a hit for its laid-back vibe and catchy melody. However, some fans noticed striking similarities between the video and Harry Styles’ Golden music video. A TikTok user pointed out that Shawn’s video reminded them of Harry’s, both of which featured vibrant, picturesque landscapes and carefree, fun moments. The comparison quickly went viral, and fans on Twitter joined in, with some jokingly questioning whether Shawn had inadvertently filmed Harry Styles’ music video.

As the conversation continued, many fans began to describe the video as giving off “queer vibes.” Some took to social media, making lighthearted jokes about Shawn’s dive into the water in the video, claiming it was an obvious indicator of his sexuality. One commenter even speculated about the implications for his relationship with Camila Cabello, asking, “Who’s going to inform Miss Camila?”

However, not everyone found the jokes amusing. Some fans defended Shawn, reminding others that speculating about someone’s sexuality isn’t appropriate, regardless of whether the comments are made in jest or not.

The speculation didn’t stop with the Summer of Love video. A behind-the-scenes video from the 2021 Met Gala, where Shawn and his then-girlfriend Camila Cabello were seen admiring each other’s outfits, also fueled rumors. In the video, Shawn can be heard describing Camila’s look as “giving a share,” which led some fans to read between the lines and conclude that there were more subtle indications about his sexuality.

Despite the lighthearted tone of some of the discussions, these constant assumptions about his personal life have weighed heavily on Shawn. He addressed the issue several times, most notably in 2016, when he recorded a video responding to comments claiming he was sending out “gay vibes.” In the video, Shawn clarified that he was not gay, but also emphasized that his sexuality, whether it aligns with the speculation or not, shouldn’t matter. For him, the focus should be on his music and not his personal life.

Shawn also shared that the pressure surrounding these speculations has been ongoing since he was just 15 years old. He revealed that he had been dealing with comments questioning his sexuality for much of his career, and over time, it had become exhausting. The artist admitted that he was tired of having to constantly defend himself against these assumptions. He explained that his choice of sitting positions, such as crossing his legs in a more feminine way, was often scrutinized, adding to his frustration.

Despite the ongoing rumors, Shawn has continued to have a strong and supportive fan base. While some fans are curious about his sexuality, many have rallied behind him, emphasizing that it is his music and talent that should define him—not his personal life. For many supporters, these speculations serve as a reminder of how unfair it is to judge someone based on stereotypes or assumptions.

As the conversation about Shawn’s sexuality continues to swirl in the media and among fans, he remains firm in his stance. While acknowledging the rumors, he has made it clear that his sexuality is a personal matter and should not overshadow his artistry. Shawn’s focus is on his music, and that’s where he wants the attention to stay.

The question remains: should Shawn continue addressing these rumors? Many believe he should be allowed to live his life without the constant need to clarify his personal life. Ultimately, his supporters are urging for a world where the focus is on the artist’s work, not on the assumptions people make about their sexuality.