Camila Cabello recently opened up about her brief rekindling with ex-boyfriend Shawn Mendes in the summer of 2023. Speaking candidly on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she shared her thoughts on revisiting past relationships and why things didn’t work out the second time.
She and Shawn had dated from 2019 to 2021 before splitting up, but surprised fans when they were seen kissing at Coachella in April 2023. Their affectionate reunion sparked rumors of reconciliation and hopes of a romantic revival. Camila revealed that revisiting their relationship felt natural at the time, as she has always believed in giving things a second chance.
Camila emphasized that she has no regrets about getting back with Shawn, even if only briefly. For her, it was better to act on those feelings than let them live in her imagination. She likened herself to Ryan Gosling’s character in The Notebook—willing to go all in emotionally when it comes to love. The singer appreciated that the experience was fun while it lasted and didn’t mind it being in the public eye.
Eventually, both Camila and Shawn came to the mutual realization that the relationship no longer felt right. It wasn’t a dramatic breakup, but rather an understanding that their connection had changed. Camila explained that, this time around, it took them much less time to see it wasn’t working.
She also made it clear that she harbors no bad feelings towards Shawn. In fact, she spoke highly of him, calling him a kind and good person. According to Camila, she feels lucky to have an ex who’s still a wonderful human being. While they’re no longer romantically involved, there remains a sense of care and respect between them.
Camila and Shawn’s story dates back to 2015, when they first collaborated on the song I Know What You Did Last Summer. Their chemistry in the music video caught the attention of fans and sparked early rumors. Still, at that time, their connection was primarily professional. It wasn’t until years later that romance entered the picture.
Their steamy music video for Señorita in 2019 reignited speculation, and not long after, they were seen holding hands in public. By then, it was clear to fans that they were more than just collaborators. The couple was spotted together in several cities and events, fueling interest in their budding relationship. Soon after, their public displays of affection became headlines.
One memorable moment was their passionate kiss in the ocean during a Miami getaway. While neither had confirmed their relationship status officially at the time, their actions spoke volumes. By August 2019, Camila publicly wished Shawn a happy birthday with a romantic tribute on Instagram. That solidified their couple status for fans around the world.
Their relationship became more visible during award shows and public appearances. At the 2019 MTV VMAs, they gave a sensual performance of Señorita, further showcasing their chemistry. Audiences were left wondering whether they’d kiss on stage—highlighting how invested the public had become. That year marked a high point for them as a couple in the public eye.
In late 2019, the couple continued to show affection publicly, including at basketball games where they cuddled courtside. Shawn revealed later that during the pandemic, he moved in with Camila and her family in Miami. Living together helped them bond further, with both appreciating the forced pause the pandemic brought. It gave them a chance to focus solely on their relationship.
A major milestone came when they adopted a puppy together named Tarzan in November 2020. The act of raising a pet together hinted at the depth of their relationship. Yet, despite their strong bond, things weren’t always smooth sailing. Shawn admitted that they fought sometimes, though they tried to keep communication honest and egos in check.
In September 2021, Shawn supported Camila at the premiere of her movie Cinderella. Shortly after, they made their debut as a couple at the prestigious Met Gala, both donning coordinated outfits. These glamorous events showcased their strong red-carpet presence and growing comfort in sharing their love publicly. Still, behind the scenes, the relationship faced its own struggles.
They spent Halloween 2021 together, celebrating in matching costumes and posting sweet pictures on social media. But just a few weeks later, in November, they announced their breakup. Their joint statement emphasized that while the romantic part of their relationship had ended, their friendship remained strong. They wanted fans to know there was no bad blood between them.
Their time apart didn’t last forever, though. In April 2023, Camila and Shawn reunited at Coachella, where they were spotted kissing again. The public speculated that they might be rekindling their romance for good. After Coachella, they were seen attending events together, including a Taylor Swift concert. The spark seemed to reignite, giving fans hope for a second chance at love.
However, by June 2023, the reunion had quietly ended. According to Camila, it didn’t require a major decision to split again. The realization came naturally—they both felt that it wasn’t a good fit anymore. Rather than push something that didn’t feel right, they chose to go their separate ways once more. Their maturity in handling the breakup stood out to many.
Camila’s reflections on the podcast revealed emotional growth and a deeper understanding of her romantic patterns. She admitted she’s drawn to revisiting the past but has learned when to let go. Her honesty about acting on impulses and learning from experience makes her story relatable to many. It also shows that sometimes closure only comes from giving things another try.
Now, Camila seems at peace with how everything unfolded. She appreciates the good memories and accepts that some relationships are meant to evolve rather than endure. Her praise for Shawn and their shared history suggests a lasting bond—just not a romantic one. For Camila, loving someone doesn’t always mean staying together forever.
Ultimately, their relationship journey—from musical collaborators to passionate partners and back to friends—has been filled with highs and lows. Through public scrutiny and private moments, Camila and Shawn navigated young love with openness and grace. Their story is a reminder that not all love stories are meant to last, but they can still leave behind something beautiful. The spark may be gone, but the respect and fondness remain.
