The internet was completely baffled by rumors of a romance between Robert Irwin and Shawn Mendes, but now we know the truth.
Irwin, 21, and Shawn Mendes, 26, have become the focus of an unexpected online storm, all thanks to a flood of AI-generated images and bizarre headlines.
What started off as a seemingly harmless social media trend quickly escalated. Fans across TikTok, X, and Facebook began circulating AI-manipulated photos of the two stars embracing, prompting a wave of online speculation that the duo were secretly dating.
One particularly outlandish image featured a shirtless Shawn Mendes appearing to lean in for a kiss, superimposed with a photo of Robert posing in Bonds underwear with the fabricated headline: “He didn't say a word, but one quiet gesture from Shawn Mendes to Robert Irwin is breaking the internet – and fans think it means everything.”
Fueling the madness was a resurfaced 2022 promotional interview for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, where Mendes, Irwin, and Javier Bardem shared the screen.
In the clip, Robert passionately quizzes the other two on reptile trivia. But what fans fixated on wasn’t the wildlife - it was the perceived chemistry.
This led some internet users to play armchair relationship detectives, analyzing body language and interactions to ‘prove’ the fabricated relationship. One post read: “Shawn Mendes and Robert Irwin just shared a moment so low-key, it broke the internet.”
Despite the tidal wave of viral content and mounting fan theories, sources close to Robert Irwin quickly shut the speculation down.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” an insider told Daily Mail Australia.
“People are congratulating Robert on social media like it’s official, but he and Shawn are obviously just friends.” They added: “Shawn has always had fun with fans’ theories, but there’s clearly nothing going on romantically.”
As for their dating history, both Robert and Shawn are reportedly single. Shawn’s been linked in the past to Camila Cabello, Charlie Travers, and Dr. Jocelyne Miranda, while Robert previously dated Rorie Buckey until their breakup in February 2024.
He was later rumored to be seeing fellow Australia Zoo employee Charlotte Briggs, though sources say that fizzled out earlier this year.
The latest rumors come hot on the heels of Robert Irwin’s recent internet-breaking underwear campaign for Bonds. The steamy shots, featuring a perentie lizard and a snake wrapped around his toned torso, set social media ablaze.
Sharing his fitness journey, Robert posted a workout video, writing: “There isn’t one single formula to follow. I reckon the most important thing is not to compare yourself to anyone else, just keep trying to be the best version of YOU… It has done wonders for my mind, and given me that extra lightness in my step.”