Pete Davidson Discusses His Journey of Healing and Confidence

New York, NY — Pete Davidson, former cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” opened up about his personal journey and mental health challenges during a recent interview with Variety. The comedian joined the cast in 2014 at a young age, quickly gaining fame due to his unique comedic style and high-profile relationships.

Davidson’s relationship with pop star Ariana Grande in 2018 propelled him into the spotlight. However, this fame also brought significant scrutiny regarding his personal life, including his battles with mental health.

In a candid Zoom call, he described how he has navigated life since his time on the show. Davidson emphasized the importance of being authentic and emotionally vulnerable, saying, “‘Rizz’ is just being shamelessly who you are. That’s attractive now— not following the pack and doing your own thing.” His honesty resonated with younger audiences navigating today’s pressures, especially in online dating.

Since 2020, Davidson has made significant changes to prioritize his mental health. He has removed himself from social media, maintained sobriety, and begun the painful process of tattoo removal. “I used to be a drug addict and I was a sad person… I’m just removing them and starting fresh,” he shared.

Each tattoo removal session is long and expensive, with Davidson estimating he has already spent around $200,000 and still has a long way to go before he is completely finished.

Davidson’s commitment to his healing journey ties in with a new partnership with Axe. On May 1, he will host an online event titled “AXE Me Anything,” where he aims to help young men build confidence and navigate the complexities of modern dating. “I think social media and the internet makes everything really difficult and can cause a lot of anxiety,” he noted, encouraging others to find their confidence beyond the digital realm.

As Davidson brings his experiences and insights to a wider audience, his focus remains on promoting authenticity and well-being among lasting pressures, particularly for younger generations.