During a concert in Colorado, Shawn Mendes took a moment to address the persistent rumors surrounding his sexuality, a topic that has followed him since he was young. In a heartfelt speech captured by a fan on TikTok, he remarked, "You know, since I was really young, there's been this thing about my sexuality, and people have been talking about it for so long." He expressed that he finds the speculation to be rather silly, noting the intricate nature of sexuality. Mendes elaborated, stating that it feels intrusive to have such a personal aspect of his life scrutinized, especially as he navigates his own feelings and experiences.

“I’m just figuring it out,” he confessed, likening his journey to that of many others. “I don’t really know sometimes, and I know other times,” he added, acknowledging the fear that comes with living in a society that often imposes rigid labels. Mendes emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to be human and to experience emotions freely.

In a separate TikTok clip, Mendes performed his song "The Mountain," which features lyrics that resonate with the themes of identity and societal expectations: “Some days, I have a change of heart. You can say what you need to say. You can say I’m too young. You can say I’m too old. You can say I like girls or boys. Whatever fits your mold.”

In 2022, Mendes faced challenges with his mental health, leading to the postponement of several concerts. He shared, “It breaks my heart to have to say this, but unfortunately I'm going to have to postpone the next three weeks of shows.” He acknowledged the toll of touring since he was 15, expressing that after years away, he felt ready to return to the road, only to realize he needed more time for himself.