Pete Davidson Defends Ex Ariana Grande Against Body Shamers and Calls Relentless Criticism 'F*cked Up'

Pete Davidson has spoken out against the intense scrutiny surrounding his former fiancée Ariana Grande's appearance, saying he does not understand why the singer has faced such sustained criticism over her body.

The comedian, who has experienced the same over his own appearance and personal life, addressed the backlash in a new interview with Variety. His comments come after months of online discussion about Grande's weight and appearance, with social media users debating her health and sharing comparisons involving her changing body.

Pete Davidson Calls Ariana Grande Backlash 'F*cked Up'

A fashion and lifestyle magazine asked Davidson about the criticism directed towards Grande and made clear that he does not agree with the way she has been discussed publicly.

'I don't like it at all. It's not cool,' Davidson told the outlet in a report published Wednesday, 30 September. '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*cked up.'

Grande has faced renewed scrutiny since she released her 'Petal' music video, with online discussion focusing heavily on her slim appearance and weight. Some social media users have expressed concern about her health, while others have criticised people for making assumptions about a person's wellbeing based solely on photographs and videos.

The debate has also prompted wider concern among eating disorder professionals. Care providers have reportedly seen distress among patients following the online discussion around Grande's appearance, highlighting how commentary about celebrity bodies can affect people beyond the individual being discussed.

Grande has previously addressed public comments about her body and urged people to be more careful about commenting on other people's appearances.

Pete Davidson Reflects on Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next'

Davidson also discussed being referenced in Grande's 2018 hit 'Thank U, Next', which she released shortly after their engagement ended. The song named several of her former partners, including Davidson, Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez and the late Mac Miller.

'There should be a group for us,' Davidson joked of guys like himself and Jake Gyllenhaal who've been the subject of breakup anthems. 'It's something that comes up once in a while. But I think Ariana's f*ckin' cool and immensely talented and an awesome girl. We're not texting or whatever, but we're cool.'

In the song's music video, Grande referenced Davidson again in a Mean Girls-inspired Burn Book; she placed a photograph of the former couple alongside the message, 'Sorry I dipped. I love you always.'

How Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande's Relationship Began

Grande and Davidson first crossed paths in 2014 when the singer appeared as the musical guest on 'Saturday Night Live', where Davidson was making his debut. Their romantic relationship did not begin until May 2018, after both had ended previous relationships.

The relationship moved quickly. The pair made their romance public that month and became engaged in June 2018, only weeks after they began dating. They also moved in together and appeared publicly throughout the summer, including at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

By October 2018, Grande and Davidson had ended their engagement after roughly five months together. Their brief relationship subsequently remained part of Grande's music, with Davidson becoming one of the former partners referenced in 'Thank U, Next'.