Comedian and actor Pete Davidson has bravely opened up about the toll that public scrutiny took on his mental health during his high-profile relationship with pop star Ariana Grande.
In a recent interview, Davidson revealed how relentless rumours about his manhood, which circulated widely on social media, deeply affected his self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. "It was brutal," the Saturday Night Live alum admitted. "People don't realise how much those kinds of comments can mess with your head."
The Psychological Toll of Public Scrutiny
Davidson, who has been vocal about his struggles with mental health in the past, explained how the constant jokes and speculation created a toxic environment. "When you're already dealing with anxiety and depression, having thousands of people making fun of something so personal... it's not just harmless banter," he shared.
The comedian described how the situation escalated during his engagement to Grande in 2018, when memes and jokes about his anatomy became a viral phenomenon. "It felt like the whole internet was against me," Davidson recalled.
Ariana Grande's Response
Grande, who has since moved on with husband Dalton Gomez, famously addressed the rumours in her hit song "thank u, next," which referenced her relationship with Davidson. While the lyric was widely interpreted as playful, Davidson suggests the reality was far more painful.
"People thought it was all fun and games," he said. "But when you're the butt of every joke, it stops being funny real quick."
Moving Forward
Now focusing on his career and mental health, Davidson hopes his experience will encourage more thoughtful conversations about celebrity culture and online behaviour. "We need to remember there are real people behind these stories," he emphasised.
The star has since found success with various film and television projects, proving that he's much more than just tabloid fodder.
