Shawn Mendes recently gave fans an honest look into his past relationship with Camila Cabello in an interview on Jay Shetty’s popular podcast On Purpose. The chart-topping artist, with poignant lyrics, weighed in on the ups and downs of their romance while shedding some light on the emotional journeys they’ve both been on lately.
Mendes spoke candidly of how he and Cabello worked hard to keep their love shielded from the constant scrutiny that came with being in the public eye. “I think Camila and I have done the best job at preserving our private little fire of love for each other,” he said. Even though he knew full well how important this bond meant to him, extra layers of complexity were added on top because of fame.
Things got a little real when Mendes opened up about the challenges of real love. Admittedly, it is not all easy, mundane stuff when the whole world seems to be watching and commenting. “No matter how strong mentally you are, when there are millions of people commenting on it, it’s so hard not to be affected by it,” Mendes says, opening up about how much public pressure weighed on them.
Despite the breakup, Mendes’ feelings for Cabello remain whole, with admiration and respect. He called her an “amazing human being” and talented artist, saying he feels lucky to promote her work. “Real love can be confusing and hard,” Mendes said, but he will be forever grateful for the time they shared, even though it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Their unique relationship is filled with both magical moments and challenging times.
Mendes also discussed what it really is like when celebrities date. “We’re not in a movie… This is real life. This is real love, and love is confusing and hard,” he said, well aware that ups and downs are normal in love. He thinks that love can pause and take breaks just like everything else; it’s what makes love so intricate.
Mendes asked how he and Cabello managed to safeguard their relationship, and he underlined honesty and communication. “Immense honesty-over-communication” has been cardinal for the two, Mendes said. They talk over things with each other and sort out their misunderstandings. “It immediately cuts through any type of assumption,” he said, underlining the importance of frank dialogue.
That certainly rings true with fans who have followed the couple since they first confirmed their romance in public in 2019. The first meeting was in 2014 to open for Austin Mahone’s tour, and Mendes and Cabello finally got together years later. It started with a friendship but gradually developed into a musical partnership that featured a massive hit between them: “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” Nobody could deny the duo’s chemistry on and off stage for an extended period; people just loved their love.
But being in the limelight took its toll. Mendes shared how he and Cabello tried to shield each other from the overwhelming attention. “I feel like she and I have just worked extremely hard to protect each other,” he said, reflecting on their shared desire to keep parts of their relationship sacred despite endless media attention.
It’s not just the podcast episode about their relationship; it’s about how experiences lay a molding effect on Mendes as an artist. His emotional journey with Cabello kept the fuel going within him in his creative process to pen some of his most potent lyrics out there. Often, his fans say how his songs feel deeply personal, and now we know why. He admitted that the intensity of those emotions helped him to be able to write more authentically. He wants his music to be able to signify something, not just for him, but for those, too, who will listen to his songs.
Mendes was referring to the breakup he and Cabello announced in November 2021. In a joint statement posted to social media, they said, “Hey guys, we’ve decided to end our romantic relationship, but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever.”
His dedication to her friendship never wavered, and he promised to continue being her best friend. The two eventually rekindled their romance to the extent that they kissed at Coachella but broke up again in June 2023. Cabello discussed this period of reconciliation for the first time on a podcast and shared that it simply “didn’t feel right” for the two. She assured me that each still cares for the other and their connection is unique.
The candidness he continues to afford on Jay Shetty’s podcast-continuous navigation of the complexities of fame, love, and creativity throws one into the heart of a young artist trying to balance his life between personal and public expectations. Speaking up and being respectful shall help both Mendes and Camila prioritize well-being above the noise-proof that love is worth protecting in all ways.
