During his For Friends and Family Tour, Shawn Mendes has been sharing his new song, ‘The Mountain’, and its lyrics appear to address the ongoing speculation about his sexuality. Known for hits like ‘Treat You Better’, Mendes has often been candid about how public conversations have impacted him.
Mendes, who has been linked romantically with Camila Cabello and more recently Sabrina Carpenter, is previewing tracks from his upcoming self-titled album. The singer has previously discussed how speculation surrounding his orientation has felt invasive and frustrating.
Image Courtesy: People
In an interview he spoke about feeling the need to address rumours, despite his discomfort. Reflecting on those experiences, Mendes shared that the rumours were particularly challenging because he has close friends who are gay and not open about it.
He explained, “It was so frustrating because I wanted to support my friends while also saying, ‘I’m not gay, but it’d be fine if I was.’” Since he was a teenager, Mendes has faced assumptions about his sexuality, which he admits affected his self-perception.
The singer opened up about how these reactions forced him to examine how he presented himself, often feeling a need to change his natural habits.
“I struggled with feeling like I had to suppress parts of myself to fit some expected norm,” he said. Over time, Mendes realised he wasn’t alone in facing such scrutiny. His journey, shared through his music, resonates with many, making ‘The Mountain’ a powerful piece of his ongoing narrative.
-Sushmita Sarkar