Pop star Shawn Mendes posted a message to his 68.4 million Instagram followers on Thursday declaring “Free Palestine,” setting off an immediate and divided reaction from fans.
“There is a genocide happening before our eyes,” Mendes wrote. “The senseless killing in Gaza must stop. The children and families in Palestine have suffered for far too long, and they need our help.”
The “Treat You Better” singer said he had been educating himself on the issue and encouraged fans to do the same, sharing links to organizations accepting donations.
“My friends and fellow artists, I know it can feel scary to speak up; I feel it now as I type this. I also feel the need to do something to help. The more of us that use our voice, the closer we are to change. If you agree please search your heart, find your courage and do what you can to help. These children in Palestine have had to be brave for too long. It’s our turn to do the same now.”
Mendes also wrote, “Lets normalize speaking up and standing up for those suffering from oppression,” calling on fans to donate, educate, encourage, challenge, “hold those in power accountable,” and vote.
Backlash Follows Quickly
Critics flooded the comments. One wrote: “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Not to mention there’s been a ceasefire FOR MONTHS. If a genocide is when you’re population continually increases then sure it is one.”
Others said they were “heartbroken,” with one fan writing they’d “been adoring you since I was nine years old, never expected you to be the one to listen to people’s lies.” Still others told him to “Educate yourself more” and to “Do some Research before you speak.”
On X, one user claimed celebrities “literally only do this to revive their career it’s actually so pathetic and narcissistic,” while another wrote sarcastically, “Thank God for Rich privileged celebrities talking about political issues.”
Support Pours In Too
Mendes also drew plenty of praise. Fans said he was “doing the right thing,” thanked him for using his platform, and commended his “backbone.”
“Damn Shawn didn’t know you had game like that brb downloading all your songs,” one fan wrote. Another said, “I won’t lie shawn, these comments are showing their true selves and im glad you’ve shown yours. We knew you were there to treat us better.”
A third fan wrote, “Thank you for being human Shawn. I’m so so proud of you. Let’s keep the momentum going and never stop fighting for Palestine.” On X, one supporter simply posted, “THANK YOU SHAWN.”
This is not the first time Mendes has spoken on the issue. Last year he performed at the Artists for Aid Palestine event in Los Angeles, and at a concert in Portugal he said the situation in Palestine was breaking his heart while also condemning antisemitism, according to the Times of Israel.
