Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson have been filling headlines and Instagram comment sections since their recent engagement, but a controversial joke by Davidson about Grande was dug up and brought into the light earlier this week — and the Sweetener singer has now responded.
Last fall, during a Puerto Rico benefit show, the Saturday Night Live comedian made a crack about Grande's unprecedented level of fame, saying: "Britney Spears didn't have a terrorist attack at her concert."
He was, of course, referencing the bombing that took place at Grande's Manchester concert last year. The attack killed 22 people and injured more than 800.
Davidson's joke was deemed insensitive by many, including a mother of one of the victims of the attack.
Responding to a fan tweet stating, "I don't know why she is still with Pete," Grande explained that it had been "tough and conflicting on my heart."
She went on to explain that Davidson uses comedy to help people feel better about "how f-ed up things in this world are," before reiterating that she didn't personally find the joke funny.
For what it's worth, Davidson is known for making jokes about his own father, who died in the 9/11 attacks.
Soon after the Manchester attack, Grande returned to the UK city to host and perform at the "One Love Manchester" benefit concert. An accompanying charity album was also released.
Grande's latest studio album, Sweetener, is due out August 17. The album is available to order in a special fan box set (including Polaroid-style prints, poster and temporary tattoo sheet) via Umusic here.
Last fall, during a Puerto Rico benefit show, the Saturday Night Live comedian made a crack about Grande's unprecedented level of fame, saying: "Britney Spears didn't have a terrorist attack at her concert."
He was, of course, referencing the bombing that took place at Grande's Manchester concert last year. The attack killed 22 people and injured more than 800.
Davidson's joke was deemed insensitive by many, including a mother of one of the victims of the attack.
Responding to a fan tweet stating, "I don't know why she is still with Pete," Grande explained that it had been "tough and conflicting on my heart."
She went on to explain that Davidson uses comedy to help people feel better about "how f-ed up things in this world are," before reiterating that she didn't personally find the joke funny.
this has been v tough & conflicting on my heart. he uses comedy to help ppl feel better ab how f-ed up things in this world are. we all deal w trauma differently. I of course didn't find it funny. it was months ago & his intention wasn't/ is never malicious but it was unfortunate
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 5, 2018
For what it's worth, Davidson is known for making jokes about his own father, who died in the 9/11 attacks.
Soon after the Manchester attack, Grande returned to the UK city to host and perform at the "One Love Manchester" benefit concert. An accompanying charity album was also released.
Grande's latest studio album, Sweetener, is due out August 17. The album is available to order in a special fan box set (including Polaroid-style prints, poster and temporary tattoo sheet) via Umusic here.