Shawn Mendes Denies Gay Rumors Again, Says He May Be “A Little More Feminine”

There has been speculation among fans for quite some time that Shawn Mendes is gay, but the 20-year-old Canadian singer has shut down these rumors yet again.

Mendes, whose popular song “In My Blood” comes off his latest self-titled album Shawn Mendes, first spoke out about his sexuality years ago, saying he is heterosexual. However, many fans aren’t as convinced, and have cited his “feminine” mannerisms as a reason for their theory about him.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Mendes confessed and even appeared to embrace his feminine side. The singer also said he is concerned the rumors about him signal a larger issue regarding how difficult it is for many people who are uncertain about their sexuality to come out, especially if they are surrounded by constant speculation and pressure.

“I thought, ‘You f—ing guys are so lucky I’m not actually gay and terrified of coming out,’” he told the magazine about reading multiple online comments about his sexuality. “That’s something that kills people. That’s how sensitive it is. Do you like the songs? Do you like me? Who cares if I’m gay?”

In 2016, one year after he rose to fame with his hit song “Stitches,” Mendes took to Snapchat to respond to fans who said they believed he had a “gay vibe.” The singer denied being gay, and added his sexuality should not be the main focus of discussions about him to begin with.

Mendes also told Rolling Stone he doesn’t like the fact that he feels he has to constantly be seen with women in public in order to “prove to people that I’m not gay.”

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Mendes cited one specific instance where he opened for Taylor Swift during her 1989 tour, and the “Shake it Off” singer shared a video on Instagram of her putting eye makeup on him, which he reportedly let her do.

“I was like, ‘F—, why did I let her post that?’ I just fed the fire that I’m terrified of,” he said, adding that he “felt sick” and “woke up in a cold sweat” after this incident. He also reportedly wanted to play the lead gay role in this year’s coming-of-age film Love, Simon. 

Mendes, who earlier this month performed at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City, said fans should accept his feminine aspect.

“Maybe I am a little more feminine — but that’s the way it is,” said the singer. “That’s why I am me.”

Mendes also tweeted this on Monday:

Mendes’ other recent songs include “Youth,” a collaboration with Khalid, and “Lost In Japan,” which he worked on with Zedd.