Deals & Steals for you and your home!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Culture

Shawn Mendes opens up about his sexuality

VIDEO: The singer admitted he feels the need to "prove to people that I'm not gay."
0:34
Shawn Mendes opens up about his sexuality
ABCNews.com
ByAndrea Dresdale
November 26, 2018, 3:29 pm

Shawn Mendes is spilling all the tea in his new cover story for Rolling Stone.

Mendes, famous for hit songs including "In My Blood" and "Stitches," addressed the rumors about his sexuality that have swirled for years, even though he's denied that he's gay and has told fans that it shouldn't matter even if he was.

However, it has remained a sensitive subject for the singer, who's famous for songs including "In My Blood" and "Stitches."

“In the back of my heart, I feel like I need to be seen with someone -- like a girl -- in public, to prove to people that I’m not gay," he said. "Even though in my heart I know that it’s not a bad thing. There’s still a piece of me that thinks that. And I hate that side of me."

Maybe I am a little more feminine -- but that’s the way it is. That’s why I am me.

Mendes, 20, has begun to feel more comfortable being himself, however, and reflected back on a moment a few years ago that left him panicking.

Explaining that when his friend Taylor Swift was on her Reputation tour, he allowed her to post a photo of them in which he was wearing glittery makeup -- a situation that left him reeling.

"I felt sick," he admitted. "I was like, 'F---, why did I let her post that?' I just fed the fire that I'm terrified of."

Looking back now, however, Mendes said he's glad he allowed Swift to share the picture.

"Maybe I am a little more feminine -- but that’s the way it is," he says. "That’s why I am me.”

Up Next in Culture—

Taylor Swift attends Chiefs game with Travis Kelce's mom

September 24, 2023

Usher named Super Bowl LVIII halftime show performer

September 24, 2023

Matt Damon, Zoe Saldana, Ludacris, Martha Stewart and more gather for dinner to support water nonprofit

September 22, 2023

Jack Osbourne announces marriage to Aree Gearhart: 'All in'

September 22, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Taylor Swift attends Chiefs game with Travis Kelce's mom

September 24, 2023

Usher named Super Bowl LVIII halftime show performer

September 24, 2023

Matt Damon, Zoe Saldana, Ludacris, Martha Stewart and more gather for dinner to support water nonprofit

September 22, 2023

Jack Osbourne announces marriage to Aree Gearhart: 'All in'

September 22, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News