As long as Shawn Mendes has been in the public eye, some fans of the pop star have believed, hoped, speculated, etc. that he is gay.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media.

Despite the “In My Blood” singer setting the record, well, straight, about his sexuality years ago, people have continued to debate the issue on social media, pointing to videos of his supposedly feminine gestures as evidence of their claims.

Speaking with Rolling Stone in a candid interview about his new album and his love life, Mendes addresses the gay rumors once again, revealing just how damaging the speculation has been not only to him but also potentially to others who are struggling with their sexuality.

“I thought, ‘You f---ing guys are so lucky I’m not actually gay and terrified of coming out,’” he told the outlet about reading through various internet comments regarding his sexuality. “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?”

In a 2016 Snapchat video, he directly addressed fans who said he had a gay vibe, explaining that he was not gay but it shouldn’t even be up for discussion in the first place.

Mendes says he isn’t proud to admit that he feels the need to be seen with women in public to “prove to people that I’m not gay” ever since the rumors began.

“Even though in my heart I know that it’s not a bad thing,” he said. “There’s still a piece of me that thinks that. And I hate that side of me.”