The internet is convinced Robert Irwin and Shawn Mendes are a couple for a very bizarre reason.
Yes, you read that correctly. The latest romance rumours in 2025, following JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes, and Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus, follow two of the most unlikely heartthrobs.
Of course, social media is at the source of the rumours, more specifically, a slew of AI-generated images of the duo embracing.
Pictures began cropping up online which show the Senorita hitmaker, 26, and the conservationist, 21, alongside clickbait headlines such as ‘Shawn Mendes thought the cameras were off 🎥… but Robert Irwin remembers everything 🐊. Whatever happened in the wild didn’t stay there 🌪️, and it’s starting to smell 🔥.’
Another post from June 18 reads: ‘Shawn Mendes and Robert Irwin dropped one silent bombshell—one glance, one laugh, and the whole internet started whispering 🔥👀.’
But why? In an even stranger turn, this rumour allegedly began three years ago when both Robert and Shawn alongside Javier Bardem were promoting 2022 film Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.
After watching an interview clip in which Robert passionately talks about his love for reptiles, internet sleuths began to decode his and Shawn’s body language, which they think point to a romantic connection.
It has gone so far that the Irwin family has received congratulations for the happy couple, despite assuring fans that Robert and Shawn are ‘just friends.’
‘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.’
‘Shawn has always had fun with fans’ theories, but there’s clearly nothing going on romantically,’ they added.
Fans have run with it online, sharing posts speculating over their potential relationship.
‘Shawn Mendes and Robert Irwin dating rumors…’ Shakenjaeke wrote on X, adding in a separate post: ‘and im choosing to believe it bc that would be fun and cute.’
On Facebook, Salvatore Canino said: ‘This is awesome! The internet can be so funny sometimes.why can’t guys embrace.Why so much jealousy and judgments.Life is about caring.Whatever pics are on media is fine .Stop putting opinions on embracing .Both great guys .x’
Many said they would be a ‘hot couple’ while sharing their congratulations, but others pointed out the photos were obviously fake.
Both Shawn and Robert are reportedly single after Shawn was previously rumoured to be dating Charlie Travers and Dr Jocelyne Miranda following his split from popstar Camila Cabello.
TV presenter Robert, meanwhile, reportedly split with his rumoured girlfriend Charlotte Briggs earlier this year after ending his relationship with Rorie Buckey in 2024.
It comes just weeks after Robert broke the internet with a series of racy shots posing for Australian underwear brand Bonds
He appeared in the snaps with with a perentie lizard in his arms, and a snake wrapped around his bare torso, garnering legions of thirsty comments.
Taking to Instagram with a video of him lifting and doing press ups ahead of the underwear shoot, Robert explained just how he got so shredded: ‘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.
‘Listen to your body, keep moving and improving. Treat your whole body, inside and out with kindness, focus on good nutrition and apply a healthy amount of discipline. It has done wonders for my mind, and given me that extra lightness in my step.’
Metro has contacted representatives for Robert Irwin and Shawn Mendes for comment
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