Shawn Mendes called out by fans for using 'unnecessary' artwork for new single

Shawn Mendes is being called out by his fans for using ‘unnecessary’ artwork for his new ‘wildfire’ single.

The Canadian singer released a new song today, 9 June, titled ‘What the Hell Are We Dying for?’

Proceeds from the song are being donated to the Canadian Red Cross, following the wildfires in Canada.

The smoke from Canada has spread across New York, currently the world’s most polluted major city.

For the single’s artwork, Mendes revealed a photo of the World Trade Centre engulfed in clouds of the smoke.

The title is written across the amber image with the building sitting rather prominently in the centre.

But fans of the singer are calling his decision to use this viral image ‘silly’ and 'ignorant’.

Announcing the single on social media Mendes wrote: “Started writing this song yesterday morning with my friends in upstate Newyork & finished it only a few hours ago..felt so important to me to share with you guys in real time.”

With the single supporting the Canadian charity, fans think the photo should have instead been of the actual wildfires.

One wrote: "Ain’t no way you used this photo as an album cover."

Some also called the move 'sick' asking if he's 'lost his mind'. Another called it 'horrible timing' and a long-time fan admitted: "This is not my favorite cover art for the song."

Others are just pleased to have new music from Mendes, writing: "It's just... beautiful i can't- i love u man, i missed you so bad."

With others praising the charity single: "The song is beyond perfect shawn! and the fact that it only took you a day to make this masterpiece is SO INSANE AND I AM SO SO PROUD OF YOU!"

Some fans however think the song is actually about singer, Camila Cabello, who Mendes has reportedly split from again, when it was only recently reported the pair had rekindled their relationship.

One twitter user penned: "I just don't know if the song is about her heartbreak or if it's about the weather events in Toronto. But the power of music is beautiful," followed by two white heart emojis and a starstruck emoji.

While another - who seems very convinced by the speculation - added: "Actually thought Shawn’s song would be about climate change with the photo he used…it’s about his break up with Camila…once again…" eyeroll emoji.

Shawn Mendes' new song 'What the Hell Are We Dying for?' is now streaming.

UNILAD has reached out to Mendes' reps for comment.

Topics: Canada, Celebrity, Music, New York

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_