Over the years, there have been a few people who have questioned Shawn Mendes' sexuality. The musician has generally remained silent on the matter, which has further prompted the speculation. In a recent interview, Mendes didn't necessarily address his sexuality, but he noted that he gets annoyed when it gets questioned. He believes it is disrespectful, not so much for himself but for "other people" who don't have "the support system" that he has. Here's what he said in the interview.
For me it’s hurtful. I get mad when people assume things about me because I imagine the people who don’t have the support system I have and how that must affect them. That was why I was so angry, and you can see I still get riled up, because I don’t think people understand that when you come at me about something that’s stupid you hurt so many other people. They might not be speaking, but they’re listening.
As Shawn Mendes explained in conversation with The Guardian earlier this month, he believes it's disrespectful when people speculate about his sexuality. He admitted earlier in the interview that he strives for "authenticity" in his personality, particularly since that level of realism is something that he believes is vital to establishing a long-lasting career in the entertainment industry. However, when it comes to these comments, Mendes claims they are "hurtful" in their speculative nature, and the continuously popular celebrity doesn't take these comments lightly.
The topic has remained a bit of a sore spot for Shawn Mendes. The famous musician admitted in an interview with Rolling Stone back in November that he felt the need to be seen in public with women in order "to prove" to speculative people that he is "not gay." Meanwhile, on Snapchat back in 2017, Mendes told his followers that he isn't gay but it "shouldn't make a difference" if he "was or wasn't."
Nevertheless, Shawn Mendes continues to build a connection with his audience, and he doesn't want his career to be driven by speculation and rumors, though they often come with the territory of celebrity. The 20-year-old musician has been around for a few years in the entertainment field, but he is still a very young man, and he is still building up his career and personality throughout his 20s. There is a good chance you'll still be hearing about Shawn Mendes in the future, although he made it clear that he's not a fan of these rumors, and he doesn't take the rumors kindly either. While he admits that he "listens" more than he "speaks" about this sensitive topic, Mendes wanted to make sure his thoughts were heard this time.
Meanwhile, when it comes to his career, Shawn Mendes will soon be making his second appearance on Saturday Night Live during this weekend's forthcoming episode. His first appearance was back in 2016. He'll be there alongside Adam Sandler, a long-term veteran of the comedy show who has somehow never hosted.
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