Pete Davidson Reflects on Relationship with Ariana Grande Hurt by BDE Remarks

The phrase “big d-ck energy” (BDE) became a part of pop culture lexicon during the whirlwind romance between Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande. While many might view such a remark as a compliment, Davidson recently expressed how the spotlight it cast on his personal life left him feeling “hurt” and “embarrassed.”

During a candid appearance on *The Breakfast Club*, the comedian opened up about the unwanted attention that followed his very public relationship with Grande. Davidson recalled the moment when media outlets began discussing his romance with the pop star, who was then considered out of his league. “I think it was like, the New York Times or something when I started dating someone that I guess they considered out of my league, which I think everyone is out of my league,” Davidson shared. He went on to say, “But you know, they were like, ‘This guy must have big d–k energy.’ And then someone confirmed it.”

What initially seemed like a humorous remark quickly turned into a source of frustration for Davidson. He explained, “It just got to a point where I was … I got really tired of my whole career just being like my personal life. And living through that is sort of traumatic. Like, not to be lame, but it’s traumatic to live in your own crap all the time.”

The comedian questioned the intensity of the scrutiny, pointing out the ubiquity of relationships in Hollywood. “It’s Hollywood. Everybody f–ks everyone. Why are they focusing on me?” he asked, highlighting a common sentiment among celebrities who feel their personal lives are dissected more intensely than their work. Davidson’s relationship with Grande, along with the attention it garnered, had overshadowed his talent as a comedian and actor.

His comments also touched upon the mixed reactions from fans, particularly some of Grande’s followers, who seemed disgruntled by the pairing—likely because Davidson doesn’t fit the traditional mold of leading man attractiveness. “I’m just like this dude that tells d–k jokes and is a drug addict,” he quipped, attempting to inject humor into a serious matter. Moreover, he pointed out a double standard in the way sexualization is perceived, noting, “If that was a girl, people would be like, there would be a march for it. Seriously. You’re just talking about my d–k all day.”

Reflecting on his time on *Saturday Night Live* during this period, Davidson expressed additional frustration. He was still relatively new to the cast at that time, and the focus on his romantic life overshadowed his work. “I brought a lot of pop culture into the show; like, I made it [a] sort of tabloidly, trendy thing unintentionally,” he explained. The comedian lamented that instead of recognition for his contributions to the show, he was labeled as the “f–k stick,” which he found hurtful. However, he acknowledged that his castmates were supportive and not outwardly cruel, citing the environment on set as generally positive.

Interestingly, while Davidson was at the center of the “BDE” conversation, it’s worth noting that Ariana Grande did not originate the term. The phrase gained traction when a fan humorously responded to Grande’s tweet about Davidson supposedly having “10 inches.”

Now in a different chapter of his life, Davidson is expecting his first child with his girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt. As he prepares for fatherhood, perhaps it’s time for a new interpretation of BDE that signifies “big dad energy.”

In the wake of his revelations, it’s clear that Davidson’s experiences offer insight into the broader conversation about how celebrity culture often prioritizes personal narratives over artistic merit. As fans continue to follow the lives of their favorite stars, the question remains: how long will the public fixation on personal lives overshadow the achievements of these talented individuals? Will this scrutiny shape how they approach future projects or relationships? Only time will tell, but for now, Davidson seems ready to embrace his next role—as a father.