Pete Davidson recently made a deeply personal and emotional revelation during a stand-up comedy show, sharing the complicated truth about his relationship with his maternal grandfather. The comedian, known for his raw honesty and dark humor, admitted that he feels “low-key thrilled” that his grandfather is dying—a comment that shocked many, but carried a heartbreaking reason behind it.
According to Pete, his 81-year-old grandfather is battling emphysema and lung cancer. While many would approach such news with sympathy or sadness, Pete’s reaction was different. He explained that his grandfather had been abusive during his childhood, saying, “He used to beat the s\*\*t out of me, and I don’t like him very much.” His words weren’t said for shock value—they came from a place of deep pain and years of emotional scars.
Despite the harshness of his statement, Pete made it clear that his feelings are not rooted in cruelty. Instead, they reflect the complicated emotions that can arise from surviving abuse. For Pete, his grandfather’s impending death represents a form of closure—a way to let go of a toxic figure from his past who caused lasting damage. He admitted that he feels a strange kind of relief, stating bluntly, “I’m low-key, thrilled. I’m like, die slow, motherf\*\*\*er.”
Still, Pete also showed vulnerability and compassion, particularly for his mother, who is struggling with the situation. He explained that while he feels relief, he wants to be supportive of her during this difficult time. He even mentioned trying to come up with at least one nice memory of his grandfather, so he could share something comforting with his mom as she grieves.
This emotional admission reflects Pete’s ongoing openness about his mental health and family life. He has long been candid about his struggles with trauma, depression, and the loss of his firefighter father in the 9/11 attacks. Talking about his past through comedy has become a form of therapy for him—and a way to help others relate to the complexities of grief and personal pain.
What may sound jarring to some is, in fact, a deeply human response to years of unresolved trauma. Pete’s honesty sheds light on a rarely spoken truth: not every family relationship is loving or worth mourning. For those who’ve experienced abuse, the death of an abuser can bring a confusing mix of relief, guilt, sadness, and even liberation.
By revealing this part of his story, Pete continues to challenge taboos about grief, family, and emotional honesty. His raw truth resonates with many who’ve faced similar struggles. In confronting his past so openly, he reminds others that it’s okay to have complicated feelings—and that healing doesn’t always look like forgiveness.
