'Who hurt Shawn Mendes?': Fans point to Camila Cabello as they obsess over singer's lyrics for Jungkook's song 'Hate You'
Ava Hudson
Updated on March 27, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: BTS star Jungkook has dropped the lyrics of his new song 'Hate You' written by the Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes. The song is getting attention for a whole other reason though, besides being part of the BTS' members' debut album. Fans are speculating the lyrics are a direct reference to Mendes' ex-girlfriend Camila Cabello.
Fans believe that the singer broke up with Cabello because she cheated on him, hurting him.
The South Korean singer has collaborated with Mendes for the first time. 'Hate You' is the 7th track of the BTS star's debut album 'Golden'.
Why did Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello break up?
Mendes and Cabello first met in 2014 when both played the opening acts for Austin Mahone's live tour. Despite dating rumors since then, the couple only officially started dating in 2019. And two years later, they announced their break up on Instagram in November 2021.
According to reports, the couple rekindled their romance during the Coachella in April 2023, where they were spotted kissing each other. However, in June, Entertainment Tonight reported the couple had broken up for a second time.
Irrespective of fans' speculations of Cabello "hurting" Mendes, the former couple has not officially commented about the song's lyrics.
Their first break up was mutual due to their work, post the first COVID lockdown.
People cited a source confirming the same, "They had this intense relationship last year and spent months together during the lockdown in Miami. They both seemed very happy and looked like they enjoyed having a break from working."
"Things are different now, though. It's more back to normal life. They have careers that are taking them in different directions. They went from spending every day together to now not really spending any time together," the source said.
Based on the Entertainment Tonight report, their second breakup had no connection with cheating either. "They gave things a try, but ultimately the timing isn't right for either of them. They're both staying busy and doing their own things," a source told ET.
Mendes has been pretty vocal about his singer-ex-girlfriend.
His 2015 song 'Act As You Love Me' refers to when he was in love with Cabello, but she hadn't reciprocated it at the time.
Similarly, he has confirmed later that many of his songs were inspired by Cabello, like 'Treat You Better' (2016), 'Mercy' (2016), 'Why' (2018), 'If I Can't Have You' (2018), and the list goes on.
He even released breakup songs like 'It'll Be Okay' and 'When You're Gone' after both parted ways in 2021.
Fans assume Camila Cabello cheated on Shawn Mendes
For Mendes's fans, the 'Hate You' lyrics show the singer's disappointment and hurt over his ex-girlfriend's behavior.
The singer is apparently saying out loud to the world that he hates Cabello.
Seeing the lyrics, fans cannot stop asking whether the whole song is about how Cabello hurt Mendes.
One user wrote on X, "thank you camila cabello for hurting shawn mendes, hate you is so painful but is a must listen on repeat."
thank you camila cabello for hurting shawn mendes, hate you is so painful but is a must listen on repeat.
— sen (@sugatradamus) November 3, 2023
While another user said, "Shawn Mendes what did Camila Cabello do "i'm gonna hate you, paint you like the villain that you never were, i'm gonna blame you for things that you don't do, hating you's the only way it doesn't hurt" On the side note :Jungkookie really spoiled !"
Shawn Mendes what did Camila Cabello do 🥺
“i’m gonna hate you, paint you like the villain that you never were, i’m gonna blame you for things that you don’t do, hating you’s the only way it doesn’t hurt”
On the side note :Jungkookie really spoiled !
— Mint Yoongi (@PeachesMinty) October 30, 2023
"so since shawn mendes wrote "Hate you", i'm pretty sure he wrote this for Camila Cabello. every song he writes its for her. cant wait to hear it. it's coming out this Friday November 3rd on Jungkook's new album "Golden," said another user.
so since shawn mendes wrote “Hate you”, i’m pretty sure he wrote this for Camila Cabello. every song he writes its for her.
cant wait to hear it. it’s coming out this Friday November 3rd on Jungkook’s new album “Golden”#Shawnmila #CamilaCabello #Shawnmendes
— bella 👾 (@7seventannies) October 29, 2023
One user asked, "did shawn mendes write this about camila cabello? #shawnmila "i'm gonna hate you, paint you like the villain that you never were, i'm gonna blame you for things that you don't do, hating you's the only way it doesn't hurt"
did shawn mendes write this about camila cabello? #shawnmila
“i’m gonna hate you, paint you like the villain that you never were, i’m gonna blame you for things that you don’t do, hating you’s the only way it doesn’t hurt”
— bella 👾 (@7seventannies) October 30, 2023
"They break up and Swahn write this masterpiece Thank you Camila," wrote another user.
They break up and Swahn write this masterpiece 🙇♀️
— ATPHORIA golden w JK (@jjkbunny_091) November 3, 2023
Thank you Camila 😭😭
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