SNL's Pete Davidson addresses worrying Instagram post with a joke on 'Weekend Update'

Pete Davidson appeared in the first Saturday Night Live episode of 2019, where he made light of his recent issues with mental health.

The comedian has been largely absent from the show for the past few months, after being subjected to a considerable amount of public and media scrutiny over his relationship with ex-fiance Ariana Grande.

Davidson, who has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, caused alarm in December after posting a message on Instagram that said he didn’t “want to be on this earth anymore”, then deleting his account. NYPD officers conducted a wellness check on Davidson on 15 December, and he was later confirmed as safe when he turned up as scheduled to film an episode of SNL.

On the latest “Weekend Update” segment, he and comedian John Mulaney mocked the absurdity of Clint Eastwood film The Mule, introduced by host Colin Jost explaining Davidson wanted to talk about “a very important experience he had over the holidays”.

“How are you Pete?” Jost asked.

“I’m great. As you know I’ve had a really crazy month, and I want to talk about something that matters a lot to me,” Davidson said.

“OK, mental health?”

“No, the new Clint Eastwood movie, The Mule,” Davidson responded.

“I’ve been spending time with Pete to try to show him you can have a life in comedy that is not insane,” Mulaney later commented. “A sober, domestic life.”

“Yeah, and after observing John’s life, I publicly threatened suicide,” Davidson said. “I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t make that joke, but it is funny.”

“Pete, look at me, look me in the eye: you are loved by many, and we are glad you are OK,” Mulaney responded. “Now back to The Mule.“

For confidential support in the UK, contact the Samaritans at 116 123.

In the US, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.