Shawn Mendes is being criticised for declining to help a fan come out during a Q&A

22 July 2019, 17:32

By Rachel Finn

"I would if I thought that it was a better thing to do, but I know in my heart that it’s not."

Fans are discussing online whether or not Shawn Mendes did the right thing when he politely declined the request of a fan who asked him during a Q&A whether he would help her come out to her parents.

At Shawn’s recent pre-show Q&A in Oakland, California, a fan in the audience told the Canadian singer that she’s bisexual but had so far avoided coming out to her parents because they’re “strict”. She then asked the singer if he would record a video with her to share her sexuality with her parents, but he politely declined. [H/T Gay Times].

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“This is what I want to tell you, your parents are your parents,” Shawn explained of his reasoning for saying no. “They’re going to love you no matter what you say, no matter how you say it, no matter how you look when you say it, any time of the day. Nothing I say is going to mean anything that is even close to what you saying it means to them. Okay?”

He added: “You’re their world. I cannot possibly come close to the amount of joy and happiness that they’re going to feel when they find out that you’re telling them your truth and your honesty.”

“Don’t ask me to do that. I would if I thought that it was a better thing to do, but I know in my heart that it’s not. I know your parents are going to love you even more for being honest with them.”

Now fans are discussing whether Shawn was right or not for saying no and whether the encouragement he gave the girl was sensible.

Others questioned Shawn’s assumption that her parents would automatically be ok with her sexuality, with one person commenting: “Kinda uncomfortable that he assumes everyone's parents are okay with their kids being gay tbh.” Another added: “how is him recording a video to tell them would make her situation better?? Like if they are strict or conservative they were gonna accept her because Shawn Mendes told them to?? Lmao”.

But others spoke in support of Shawn, suggesting he shouldn’t feel like he has to do things like that for his fans. One wrote: “wait why are y’all acting like he HAS to do that... literally just curious”. Another fan added: “Shawn didn't mean it in a rude way. Y'all taking this seriously lmao. He was honest to the girl.”

Let us know what you think @popbuzz.