Pete Davidson, known for his self-deprecating humor and his candidness about mental health, recently opened up about his ongoing journey of tattoo removal, his concerns for today’s younger generation, and his ongoing collaboration with Axe for a campaign aimed at boosting young men’s confidence.
Davidson, who joined Saturday Night Live in 2014 as one of the youngest cast members in the show’s history, quickly became a beloved figure for his unique comedic style. His presence injected a fresh energy into the show and helped it connect with a younger audience. Over time, his fame skyrocketed, partially due to his high-profile relationships with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kate Beckinsale, and Kim Kardashian. However, these relationships often overshadowed his struggles with mental health, which Davidson has been open about.
In an exclusive conversation with Variety, Davidson reflected on how he’s navigated the pressures of fame, including his decision to step away from social media and undergo a long process of tattoo removal. Davidson explained that his tattoos, many of which were inked during a difficult period in his life, served as reminders of his past struggles with addiction and depression. “I used to be a drug addict, and I was a sad person,” he said. “I felt ugly and that I needed to be covered up.”
Davidson has been undergoing tattoo removal since the pandemic began, and while the process is slow and painful—requiring 10-12 sessions per tattoo—he’s determined to clear his body of the marks that symbolize a time in his life he’s worked hard to leave behind. “When I look in the mirror, I don’t want the reminder of ‘Oh yeah, you were a fucking drug addict,’” he said.
As for the removal process itself, Davidson described it as “pretty horrible.” Each tattoo takes up to 60 weeks to remove, and he estimates it will take another decade and hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete the procedure.
In addition to the personal benefits, Davidson’s decision to remove his tattoos is a part of his broader mental health journey. Since 2020, Davidson has maintained a sober lifestyle and has been vocal about the toll social media can take on young people today. “I really feel bad for this crop of people,” he remarked, emphasizing how anxiety-inducing modern technology can be. “The kids today, they don’t even have a fucking shot. They don’t even have a shot.”
As part of his efforts to help the next generation cope with the pressures of social media and dating, Davidson has teamed up with Axe for a social media takeover. The collaboration includes a live “AXE Me Anything” Reddit-style AMA, during which Davidson will offer advice on confidence and dating. “‘Rizz’ is just being shamelessly who you are,” Davidson shared, encouraging young men to embrace their authenticity in a world dominated by curated online profiles.
Davidson also spoke about the challenges of modern dating, particularly the superficial nature of dating apps. He expressed concern about how these platforms encourage quick judgments and superficial interactions, making it harder for young people to build genuine connections. “Dating has become gamified,” he said. “It’s just like, ‘No. Yes. No.’ That’s so rude. You don’t even know this fucking person.”
In addition to his collaboration with Axe, Davidson reminisced about his own early memories with the brand, recalling how Axe was a staple during his high school years. “It was reassuring,” he said of the product, which reminded him of simpler times before the anxieties of adult life set in.
While Davidson has been a familiar face on SNL for nearly a decade, he was notably less involved in the SNL50 special. Reflecting on his absence, Davidson expressed gratitude for being included in the celebration. “I was just very grateful to be in a sketch and have a video and even just be invited,” he said. “It was very surreal to see.”
Davidson also shared his admiration for SNL creator Lorne Michaels, describing their relationship as one akin to that of a father and son. “He’s really, really sweet, and has always been above and beyond understanding of my life,” Davidson said. “I’m very lucky.”
Looking forward, Davidson is also involved in an ambitious project with his SNL co-star Colin Jost. The duo purchased the Staten Island Ferry in 2022 with plans to transform it into a floating venue, complete with restaurants and bars. “People don’t understand this is like a 5-10 year project,” Davidson said. “We’re all figuring it out and it’s been really fun.”
As Davidson continues his journey of self-improvement and healing, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the challenges that come with living in a hyper-connected world. Through his work with Axe and his ongoing efforts to share his experiences with fans, Davidson hopes to provide guidance to young people struggling with the pressures of modern life.
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