5 Shocking Details About Hailey Bieber And Shawn Mendes’ Forgotten Romance: From The Met Gala To The Awkward Reunion

Despite the public focus on her marriage to Justin Bieber, the brief but high-profile romance between model Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) and Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes remains one of pop culture’s most fascinating "what ifs." This relationship, which culminated in an iconic red carpet appearance, was a whirlwind that set the stage for one of the fastest celebrity engagements in recent memory. As of December 2025, the story of their connection is a compelling look at the volatile world of Hollywood relationships, especially when a third megastar enters the picture.

The timeline of their relationship was short—lasting just a few months—but its dramatic conclusion and subsequent awkward reunions have cemented its place in celebrity lore. This deep dive uncovers the true nature of their connection, the swift transition that followed, and the unforgettable moment their paths crossed again with their new partners.

Complete Profile: Hailey Bieber and Shawn Mendes

Before they were an item, both Hailey Baldwin and Shawn Mendes were rising stars in their respective fields, each with their own significant profile in the entertainment industry. Here is a brief look at the two celebrities at the center of this forgotten romance:

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Hailey Rhode Bieber (née Baldwin)

• Born: November 22, 1996, in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
• Occupation: Model, socialite, businesswoman, and creative director.
• Family Ties: Daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin and niece of Alec Baldwin.
• Career Highlights: Signed to major modeling agencies, walked for brands like Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, and Versace. Founded the skincare brand Rhode.
• Current Status: Married to singer Justin Bieber since 2018.

Shawn Peter Raul Mendes

• Born: August 8, 1998, in Pickering, Ontario, Canada.
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, and musician.
• Career Start: Gained a massive following in 2013 by posting song covers on the video-sharing app Vine.
• Breakthrough Hits: "Stitches," "Treat You Better," "In My Blood," and "Señorita."
• Notable Relationships: Ex-boyfriend of singer Camila Cabello.
• Musical Style: Known for soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and global pop sensation status.

The Whirlwind Romance: From Casual Flings to the Met Gala Red Carpet

The initial sparks between Hailey and Shawn first flew in late 2017. They were spotted together at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights, fueling the first round of dating rumors.

Sources at the time described their relationship as starting out casual, transitioning from a friendship into a "steamy romance" as they frequently ran into one another in the same social circles. However, both stars were hesitant to publicly label their connection, often downplaying it in interviews.

The biggest public statement of their relationship came in May 2018. The duo attended the prestigious Met Gala together, walking the red carpet as a couple for the first and only time. This appearance, where they posed closely and looked every bit the glamorous celebrity pair, seemed to confirm to the world that they were officially dating.

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Despite the high-profile outing, Shawn Mendes later clarified in an interview that their relationship was "complicated." He admitted they were "more than friends" but that he didn't want to put a label on it at the time.

The Immediate Aftermath: Justin Bieber and the Sudden Split

The romance between Hailey and Shawn was incredibly short-lived, concluding just weeks after their Met Gala debut. The reason for their breakup was swift and dramatic: the return of Justin Bieber.

Hailey and Justin, who had a long on-again, off-again history dating back to 2014, rekindled their romance almost immediately after the Met Gala. By June 2018, just one month after her red-carpet date with Shawn, Hailey and Justin were engaged. They married in a New York City courthouse in September 2018 and later held a larger ceremony in 2019.

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This rapid transition stunned fans and media alike, leaving many to speculate on the nature of Hailey's connection with Shawn. The timeline strongly suggested that Hailey's feelings for Justin were still dominant, leading her to end the casual romance with Shawn to fully commit to her now-husband.

In a 2018 interview, Shawn Mendes was asked about the quick engagement and confirmed he had texted Hailey to congratulate her. He maintained there was no bad blood, stating, "I think that’s awesome. They’re happy, and I’m happy for them."

The Most Awkward Reunion: Exes and Their New Lovers on the Red Carpet

While the breakup itself was quick and seemingly amicable on the surface, the true drama unfolded years later at a subsequent Met Gala, proving that Hollywood is a very small world.

In 2021, a video clip went viral on social media, particularly TikTok, showing an incredibly awkward backstage run-in at the Met Gala.

The four people involved were: Hailey Bieber (with husband Justin Bieber) and Shawn Mendes (with his then-girlfriend Camila Cabello).

The clip showed the two couples crossing paths. Fans immediately labeled the interaction "cringeworthy" and "awkward AF," observing the strained greetings exchanged between the former couple and their respective partners.

The encounter highlighted the bizarre reality of celebrity dating, where exes must inevitably cross paths in high-pressure public settings. The moment served as a stark, visual representation of the complex relationship history between the four pop culture titans.

Topical Authority: The Impact on Pop Culture and Current Status

The brief relationship between Hailey Bieber and Shawn Mendes, though minor in the grand scheme of their careers, is a key moment in the pop culture narrative for several reasons:

• The "Jelena" Factor: The romance occurred during a pivotal time when fans were still reeling from the latest breakup of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez (known as "Jelena"). Hailey's quick engagement to Justin solidified the end of that chapter and, by extension, the end of her relationship with Shawn.
• Met Gala Curse: Their appearance at the Met Gala is often cited in discussions about celebrity pairings that debut on the red carpet only to break up shortly after.
• Rhode and Mendes Army: Both stars have gone on to achieve massive success in their individual lanes—Hailey with her modeling career and the launch of the highly successful Rhode skincare line, and Shawn with multiple platinum albums, world tours, and his dedicated fanbase, the "Mendes Army."

Today, both Hailey and Shawn appear to have moved past the brief drama of 2018. Hailey remains married to Justin Bieber, often shutting down online rumors and focusing on her business endeavors. Shawn Mendes has continued to evolve his music, focusing on his mental health and personal growth following his split from Camila Cabello. The two exes are reportedly on good terms, having "moved past" the awkward stage of their relationship, though their shared history remains a captivating footnote in the celebrity relationship archives.