Pete Davidson Appears On 'SNL' Hours After Alarming Instagram Post
By Peyton Blakemore
December 16, 2018
Hours after the New York Police Department performed a "wellness check" on Pete Davidson, the 25-year-old comedian took to the Saturday Night Live stage.
Pete introduced the show's musical guests, Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson, and made a brief appearance in a pre-taped sketch, which was about the Academy's search for a new host for the upcoming Oscars after Kevin Hart stepped down from the job, on Saturday's SNL episode.
Pete's appearance on the live comedy show came as a surprise to many as earlier in the day he posted an alarming message that suggested he was suicidal. "i really don't want to be on this earth anymore," the post read. "i'm doing my best to stay here for you but somewhere actually don't know how much longer i can last. all i've ever tried to do was help people. just remember i told you so." He later deleted his Instagram account.
Pete Davidson’s first live appearance in tonight’s SNL broadcast, introing Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson. (He’d also appeared in a pretaped sketch.) pic.twitter.com/yHGSvxYM1n
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) December 16, 2018
Prior to Pete's alarming post, he came to Kanye West's defense on Instagram after the "I Love It" rapper accused Pete's ex Ariana Grande of using his feud with Drake to promote her music and make light of his mental health. "Bravo Kanye West for standing up for yourself and speaking out against mental health," Pete wrote. "I can’t explain to you enough how difficult and scary it is to be honest about stuff like this. We need people like Kanye... I can’t explain to you enough how difficult and scary it is to be honest about stuff like this. We need people like Kanye." He also added this assumed dig at Ariana: "No one should ever point finger at you for your bravery in speaking about mental health. I’m seriously disgusted."
Pete later posted his alarming message, which in turn sent Ariana and his best friend, Machine Gun Kelly running to be by his side.
im in the plane now on the way to see Pete. gonna make sure he’s good, i promise. can’t have my boy in the darkness like that.
— colson (@machinegunkelly) December 15, 2018
Other celebrities also reached out to the SNL comedian, issuing Pete words of encouragement and love via Twitter.
Pete Davidson ... hang in there. There is a lot of help out here. Surrender to some love some where around you ... today! Right now! And then ... let in the help that will become available. I’m praying for you Pete. I’ve been there. It gets better.
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) December 15, 2018
Thinkin about U Pete. Hit me back bro
— The Chosen One (@KidCudi) December 15, 2018
Go & give this man some love. My God. https://t.co/qchM3xGRdg
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) December 15, 2018
We can be so insensitive. God bless Kanye & Pete. Being flippant about mental illness speaks more about you than them. Stop saying the word love & live it. Love is an action.
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) December 15, 2018
Love your people! Tell the people you love you REALLY love them. Do it. It’s impossible to be too kind or too loving
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) December 15, 2018
Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online.
Photo: Getty Images