CW: This article contains mentions of suicidal thoughts.
Since Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson broke off their engagement, the pair have both received a lot of public attention. But unfortunately, due to Ariana Grande’s fame and following, Davidson has copped an unacceptable level of vitriol from online trolls.
He has openly mentioned his mental health before, but in a recent Instagram post, he issued an explicit statement opening up about his mental health and experience with suicidal thoughts, in order to call out those online trolls for their behaviour.
“I’ve kept my mouth shut. Never mentioned any names, never said a word about anyone or anything.” He said. “I’m trying to understand how when something happens to a guy the whole entire world just trashes him without any facts or frame of reference.”
“Especially in today’s climate where everyone loves to be offended and upset it truly is mind boggling. I’ve been getting online bullied and in public by people for 9 months. I’ve spoken about BPD and being suicidal publicly only in the hopes that it will help bring awareness and help kids like myself who don’t want to be on this earth. I just want you guys to know. No matter how hard the internet or anyone tries to make me kill myself. I won’t. I’m upset I even have to say this.”
“To all those holding down and seeing this for what it is – I see you and I love you. Pete.”
The kind of e-bile that Davidson has been dealing with is unfortunately a huge problem for a lot of people online – whether they are public figures or minority people or literally just a woman.
Pete Davidson boldly calling it out online trolling with such an honest, personal appeal is powerful in a culture that can tend to forget that celebrities are not impenetrable, and they see the crap posted on the internet about them.
So power to him, and we hope people listen and draw on some empathy when posting online.
If you would like to talk to someone about mental health, you can call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Headspace on 1800 650 890. If you are contemplating suicide or having suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.