Pete Davidson has spoken out in defence of his ex-fiancée Ariana Grande, describing the ongoing public scrutiny she faces as "not cool". The comedian and pop star dated for five months in 2018 before calling off their engagement.
Davidson's comments on Grande
In an interview with Variety on September 30, Davidson addressed the recent criticism aimed at Grande. He said: "I don't like it at all. It's not cool. She's a really strong person — I've witnessed it — and I don't understand it. She knows how to handle this stuff though. She's been around. So she'll be OK, but I think it's f*ed up."
Davidson added that while the pair are not actively in touch, they remain on good terms, calling her "f*in' cool and immensely talented and an awesome girl."
Grande's hiatus announcement
Grande recently announced she would be stepping back from public life at the end of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. A spokesperson for the singer said she would be taking a hiatus due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
During a performance in Chicago, Grande addressed the decision directly to fans, saying: "Sometimes when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion, so I wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much."
Grande's message to fans
Grande told the crowd that the announcement was "not a reactive or impulsive thing" but a plan she had "quietly made a long time ago" from a "thoughtful and empowered place." She reassured fans that negativity was not ruining things for her, saying: "I promise you, this is not what that is. Nothing can ruin... Multiple things can be true at the same time. Boundaries can need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes."
She added that the tour has been "the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience of my life" and that nothing will "distort" the reality of that experience. "This is what I will always take with me and carry with me, because the rest of that shit is not mine to carry, so I don't carry it," she said.
