Pete Davidson defends ex-fiancée Ariana Grande amid criticism over her appearance
Pete Davidson has spoken out in support of his former fiancée Ariana Grande, criticising the online scrutiny the singer has faced over her appearance in recent months.
The comedian, who was briefly engaged to Grande in 2018, said he remains on good terms with the singer despite the pair no longer being in regular contact.
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Speaking in a new interview with Variety, Davidson addressed the criticism and speculation surrounding Grande’s appearance, which intensified over the summer during her Eternal Sunshine tour.
Davidson said he did not like the way his former partner had been treated and described her as a strong person who knows how to deal with public scrutiny.
He also praised Grande as “immensely talented” and an “awesome girl”, adding that while they do not text each other, they are still “cool”.
Grande announced in August that she planned to take a break from public-facing work after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour.
Her representative said the decision followed continued public scrutiny and that the singer wanted to take a well-deserved break after the tour, which concluded in London on 1 September.
A whirlwind relationship in 2018
Grande and Davidson began dating in 2018 and became engaged within weeks.
Their highly publicised relationship lasted around five months before they separated in October of that year.
Their relationship was later referenced in Grande’s hit Thank U, Next, in which she named Davidson alongside several of her former partners.
In his latest interview, Davidson joked about being the inspiration behind such a successful breakup song, saying there should be a group for celebrities who find themselves in the same position.
Grande takes time away from the spotlight
Since finishing her tour, Grande has largely remained out of the public eye, aside from occasional posts relating to her music and beauty brand.
She is expected to return to promotional duties later this year for her upcoming film Focker-in-Law, with a source saying she plans to support the film during its autumn press campaign.
Davidson, meanwhile, is now a father to daughter Scottie, who was born in December 2025.
He told Variety that becoming a parent had changed his perspective on his career and the importance he places on public opinion.