Shawn Mendes divided fans on Thursday when he wrote a “Free Palestine” post to his 68.4 million followers on his Instagram.
“There is a genocide happening before our eyes,” he 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 that he had been educating himself on the issue to learn how he could make a difference and urged his fans to do the same, sharing links to organizations where people could make donations.
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“My friends and fellow artists, I know it can feel scary to speak up; I feel it now as I type this,” he continued. “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.”
He added, “Lets normalize speaking up and standing up for those suffering from oppression,” urging fans to donate, educate, encourage, challenge, “hold those in power accountable,” and vote.
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“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” one commenter wrote on his Instagram. “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.”
Another person said they were “heartbroken” over his post, adding that they have “been adoring you since I was nine years old, never expected you to be the one to listen to people’s lies.”
A third commenter told him to “Educate yourself more,” and a fourth advised him to “Do some Research before you speak.”
“How sad it is that you are posting about a subject that is so far away from you and your knowledge,” another added.
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On X, someone claimed artists “literally only do this to revive their career it’s actually so pathetic and narcissistic” and another snarked, “Thank God for Rich privileged celebrities talking about political issues.”
The 28-year-old had just as much support as backlash, however, with fans writing he’s “doing the right thing,” thanking him for using his voice and commending him for his “backbone.”
“Damn Shawn didn’t know you had game like that brb downloading all your songs,” another fan commented.
“I won’t lie shawn, these comments are showing their true selves and im glad you’ve shown yours,” another person said, referring to the negative comments. “We knew you were there to treat us better.”
Another added, “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.”
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“THANK YOU SHAWN,” someone wrote simply on X.
This isn’t Mendes’ first time speaking up about Palestine. Last year he performed at the Artists for Aid Palestine in Los Angeles, and he said at a concert in Portugal last year that the situation in Palestine was breaking his heart while also condemning antisemitism, according to the Times of Israel.