Popular to contrary belief, Pete Davidson has nothing but respect for ex-fiancee Ariana Grande. Over the weekend, social media critics pounced on the Saturday Night Live comedian after a video that showed Pete interacting with a fan went viral on TikTok. While being mobbed by fans in New York City, Pete discovered that one in particular was named Arianna — to which he replied, “Well hello! Let’s get married!” The marriage joke wasn’t received well by “Arianators” everywhere (Ariana’s loyal fan base), who labeled Pete as a “bitter ex” on social media.
“Being funny is Pete’s day job and his night job — it’s who he is,” a source close to the comedian told HollywoodLife, noting that it’s part of his job to joke about things that have gone on in his life. “The joke was so innocent and fun and there was never any shade meant towards Ariana whatsoever,” the source explained. “Pete will continue to look back at that time [with Ariana] with joy, and if he continues to joke about it that’s all it will be — just having fun and never to make Ariana feel bad.”
As for Ariana? — The Grammy-winning singer, who has since moved on with Los Angeles real estate agent Dalton Gomez, is understanding of Pete’s humor. “She knows that his sense of humor is part of his charm and she wouldn’t want him to ever change that about himself; it’s what makes people so drawn to him,” a separate source close to Ariana told HollywoodLife, exclusively.
“Ariana understands Pete’s dry humor and doesn’t expect him to stop joking about things that have happened in his life, whether it’s their relationship or not. They had a very public breakup, but in the end, she feels they were able to move on and there’s no hard feelings,” the source explained.
“Plus, Ariana is focused on her relationship with Dalton now and she couldn’t be happier,” the insider continued, adding that the couple has gotten “so much closer” while quarantining together. “Ariana and Dalton decorated her place for Christmas and she’s so happy to be celebrating the holidays with him. She feels very lucky to have found someone she connects so well with and he really makes her so happy.”
Pete and Ariana, both 27, called off their engagement in October 2018 — just a few months after they began dating. In May, Ariana confirmed her relationship with Dalton (after months of speculation) when she featured him in the music video for “Stuck with U” (her smash hit with record label-mate Justin Bieber).