Pete Davidson Tries to Joke About How He 'Publicly Threatened Suicide' on Saturday Night Live
Pete Davidson is addressing his alarming suicide scare in December.
Davidson, 25, appeared on Saturday Night Live‘s Weekend Update, where segment co-host Colin Jost, 36, introduced him by saying that Davidson was there “to talk about a very important experience he had over the holidays.”
Instead of discussing his mental health right away, Davidson joked, “As you know, I’ve had a really crazy month but I want to talk about something that matters a lot to me — the new Clint Eastwood movie, The Mule!”
After bringing out comedian John Mulaney, 36, to discuss The Mule with him, Mulaney said, “I’ve been spending some time with Pete to try to show him that you can have a life in comedy that is not insane. A sober, domestic life.”
“Yeah, and after observing John’s life, I publicly threatened suicide,” Davidson said in response, prompting the audience to break out into laughter.
“I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t make that joke,” he continued, laughing, “but it is funny.”
“Pete, look at me. Look me in the eye. You are loved by many,” Mulaney continued, addressing Davidson.
“Oh, thank you, John,” replied Davidson, rolling his eyes back and laughing.
“And we are glad you’re okay,” Mulaney added. “Now back to The Mule.“
Near the end of the segment, Davidson seemingly referred to his ex-fiancée Ariana Grande, yelling, “I didn’t mention her once!”
RELATED: Warning Signs to Look for If You Are Concerned Someone Is Suicidal
On Dec. 15, Davidson posted an alarming message on Instagram.
Sharing a screenshot of a note, the comedian wrote, “I really don’t want to be on this earth anymore. I’m doing my best to stay here for you but i 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 continued, adding a single red heart emoji.
Davidson, who shared the post without a caption, later deleted his Instagram account.
A public information officer with the New York Police Department told PEOPLE at the time that they sent officers to do a welfare check on Davidson.
Hours after he posted the note, Davidson briefly appeared on SNL to act in a pre-taped skit and to introduce a musical performance.
RELATED: ‘Frantic’ Ariana Grande Tried to See Pete Davidson After Note but He’s ‘Ignoring Her’: Source
Following Davidson’s post, his ex Grande shared in since-deleted tweets that she wanted “everyone to be healthy and happy,” referring to a previous message of hers regarding Kanye West‘s feud with Drake, which West claimed made light of his mental health.
Before posting his alarming message, Davidson wrote in part in a since-deleted Instagram post, “Bravo Kanye West for standing up for yourself and speaking out against mental health.”
“Man i’m so sorry i told a dumb joke. i really didn’t mean any harm,” Grande tweeted, apologizing. “All I want everyone to be healthy and happy. so desperately. please. my god.”
“I’m downstairs and I’m not going anywhere if you need anyone or anything,” she added, seemingly addressing Davidson’s message about his mental state. “I know u have everyone u need and that’s not me, but i’m here too.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.