Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes’ sexuality during an interview

Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes' sexuality during an interview

As a seasoned observer of pop culture and its intricacies, I find it both saddening and fascinating to delve into the life of Shawn Mendes, a young artist whose career has been shadowed by persistent speculation about his sexuality. While the media’s fixation on this aspect of his personal life may seem harmless at first glance, I believe it is crucial to consider the impact such scrutiny can have on an individual’s mental health and self-perception.


During an interview with Variety as he promoted his latest Christmas album, American Idol alum Clay Aiken casually mentioned Shawn Mendes’ sexuality.

During his conversation with reporter Rebecca Rubin, the 45-year-old singer inquired whether Mendes made a public announcement or declaration that day.

‘Have you seen this video on his Instagram? I didn’t finish watching it because I looked at the time and I was like, “Oh God, I gotta get on the computer.” So I don’t know if he really did,’ the Invisible hitmaker asked Rubin. 

Even before completing his statement, Aiken, who publicly acknowledged his sexuality in 2008 amidst years of rumors, emphasized the importance of respecting privacy by saying, “I wouldn’t reveal someone’s identity without their consent.

When questioned about the ongoing public discussions regarding Mendes’ sexuality, Aiken expressed surprise that such a private matter was still being openly debated among people.

The person mentioned said something along these lines: “It seems like nobody’s been discussing such topics since 2000 – ever since I experienced that situation.” He shared this with the media outlet, adding humorously, “I quip that after I openly disclosed it, the topic became no longer newsworthy.

Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes' sexuality during an interview

He continued: ‘I don’t know that anybody has had press in that way, like tabloid stories or questions by Diane Sawyer.’ 

Aiken proposed that the intensity of public discussion in the media gradually lessened as people lost interest, or grew tired of the topic.

Since ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ended in 2011, America has made strides in understanding us better as part of the LGBTQ+ community,” he remarked. “We have advocated for a more compassionate portrayal in media. Now, journalists can’t intrude as they once could, and that’s a positive development.

In response, Aiken admitted he didn’t wish to divert the conversation or join the crowd of those pondering Mendes. Instead, something unexpected popped up on his screen just as the interview was about to start.

It’s quite possible that his comments were about the private event from Mendes’ love life, which he had discussed during his show in Denver last month, as some footage of it was shared.

Speaking to his audience, the artist expressed: “There seems to be quite a bit of discussion surrounding my personal orientation. To be frank, I find it somewhat amusing because I believe that sexuality is an incredibly intricate aspect of our humanity, and it’s challenging to categorize it so neatly.

In simple terms, I’m still discovering the truth about my personal life and my sexual orientation, much like many others are.

As a dedicated admirer, every exploration seemed to encroach upon deeply private territories within my soul. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a puzzle that I’m still piecing together, one that remains elusive even now.

Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes' sexuality during an interview

Here’s one way of paraphrasing the given text: ‘It’s quite intimidating, considering the judgments that society often casts on such matters. Yet, I’m making an effort to be courageous and simply embrace my humanity, allowing myself to experience emotions. For now, that’s all I wish to share about this topic.’

Mendes additionally stated, ‘I began quite early. At fifteen, I was already underway. Frankly, I missed out on many experiences typical for a fifteen-year-old, and opportunities to explore aspects of myself that usually unfold during this age.’

The artist also sings about his sexuality on his new song, The Mountain. 

In this song, you’ll find a verse that goes: ‘Feel free to argue I’m still green/Or perhaps I’ve seen too much/Regardless of your view, my orientation is fluid and true.’

Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes' sexuality during an interview

He previously discussed speculation about his sexuality in a 2018 Rolling Stone interview.

He remarked, “If I weren’t straight, I’d be incredibly fortunate that I’m not fearful about revealing my true identity, as you all can imagine.” (Note: This paraphrase attempts to convey a similar sentiment while using more respectful and inclusive language.)

‘That’s something that kills people. That’s how sensitive it is. Do you like the songs? Do you like me? Who cares if I’m gay?’

Additionally, he mentioned experiencing societal expectations that he needed to be seen with females, to demonstrate that he wasn’t homosexual.

Deep within me, there’s an urge to be seen with someone of the opposite sex in public, as if to confirm my heterosexuality to others. Yet, I understand rationally that this is not something to be ashamed of. Regrettably, a part of me still harbors these thoughts, and I dislike that aspect of myself.

In 2019, Shawn said whispers about his sexuality were ‘hurtful’ in an interview with The Guardian.

2020 found me, a die-hard admirer, still eagerly tuning into the dynamic conversations hosted by Dax Shepard, when the superstar chose to clarify yet again those persistent whispers about his personal life.

Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes' sexuality during an interview

He confided that it was incredibly frustrating for him, as there were individuals in his life whom he held dear and who happened to be gay but hadn’t come out yet.

In my personal journey, I’ve come across situations that challenge my understanding of acceptance and tolerance. Recently, I found myself in a conversation with individuals who assumed my sexual orientation based on stereotypes. As someone who values open-mindedness and non-judgment, I felt a surge of frustration.

Ever since I turned fifteen, folks have been labeling me as gay. However, let me clarify, I’m not gay, but I often find myself questioning the reasoning behind such assumptions. You see, my voice and the way I sit have caused quite a stir. I’ve always wondered, “What does this mean?” My voice was different, and I struggled to find a comfortable position to sit in. I remember being first to cross my legs, adopting what some might perceive as a more feminine sitting style. This aspect of myself has certainly been a source of struggle for me.

In 2016, he unequivocally stated in a Snapchat message to his followers that he wasn’t gay, instead asking them to focus on his professional endeavors.

As an ardent admirer pouring out my thoughts, let me share something unusual – I rarely voice concerns, but while scrolling through YouTube interviews today, I stumbled upon some comments. It seemed many viewers found my demeanor to have a certain “gay vibe,” which I felt compelled to acknowledge.

Clay Aiken bizarrely questions Shawn Mendes' sexuality during an interview

To begin with, let me clarify that my sexual orientation is heterosexual. Moreover, regardless of whether I were gay or straight, the essence of the conversation should revolve around the music, not my personal life.

Despite rumors surrounding his sexual orientation, it’s important to note that Shawn has openly dated women, including singers like Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter.

Previously, there were whispers about a romantic involvement between him and Dr. Jocelyne Miranda, his chiropractor, who is 52 years old, last year.

Shawn was also linked to Big Brother UK’s Charlie Travers in 2023.

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2024-11-14 23:04

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