Overview
Pete Davidson’s serial dating of A-list women (2016-2023) became a cultural phenomenon, spawning “Big Dick Energy” discourse and endless theories about his appeal despite being a self-described “disaster.”
The Timeline
Cazzie David (2016-2018):
- Larry David’s daughter, comedian/writer
- 2.5-year relationship, seemed stable
- Broke up May 2018, Pete immediately jumped to Ariana
Ariana Grande (May-October 2018):
- PEAK CHAOS ERA
- Started dating weeks after Cazzie breakup (she was blindsided)
- Engaged after 3 weeks
- Matching tattoos, $93K engagement ring
- Ariana’s “thank u, next” referenced him: “Even almost got married / And for Pete, I’m so thankful”
- Broke up October 2018, days after Mac Miller’s death
- Ariana covered Pete tattoos, he got hers lasered
- Coined “Big Dick Energy” (BDE) — Ariana hinted at his size, internet ran wild
Kate Beckinsale (2019):
- 20-year age gap (she 45, he 25)
- Met at Golden Globes party, full PDA at hockey games
- Lasted 4 months
- Her response to critics: “I’ve never been interested in what people think”
Margaret Qualley (Summer 2019):
- Actress (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
- Brief, low-key
Kaia Gerber (2019-2020):
- Cindy Crawford’s model daughter, 18 when they started (Pete 26)
- Age gap criticism
- Broke up after 3 months, Pete reportedly entered rehab
Phoebe Dynevor (2021):
- Bridgerton star
- Long-distance (UK/US), fizzled out
Kim Kardashian (October 2021-August 2022):
- BIGGEST RELATIONSHIP IMPACT
- Met on SNL (she hosted, they kissed in Aladdin sketch)
- Kim filed for divorce from Kanye West February 2021
- Pete and Kim went public November 2021
- Kanye West harassment campaign: “Skete” nickname, threatening music video, Instagram tirades
- Pete got “KNSCP” (Kim + 4 kids’ initials) branded on chest
- Multiple Kim tattoos (“My girl is a lawyer”)
- Met grandkids, integrated into Kardashian empire
- Broke up August 2022: distance (she LA, he filming in Australia), age gap (13 years), intensity
Emily Ratajkowski (November 2022-Spring 2023):
- Model fresh off Divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard
- Casual, never serious
- Both “hot people healing” post-breakups
Chase Sui Wonders (2023):
- Bodies Bodies Bodies co-star
- Low-profile, still dating as of 2023
Theories: Why Does Pete Pull?
Common explanations:
- Emotional availability: Opens up about mental health (BPD, PTSD), makes women feel safe
- Humor: Self-deprecating, doesn’t take himself seriously
- Lack of ego: Doesn’t compete with their fame, happy as supportive partner
- Vulnerability: Lost dad on 9/11, trauma bond
- The BDE factor: Confidence despite obvious flaws
- Tattoo dedication: Goes all-in, gets their names inked (questionable)
His explanation: “I’m f***ing hilarious and I’m really thoughtful.”
Cultural Impact
Big Dick Energy (BDE): After Ariana hinted at Pete’s endowment, Twitter created “BDE” meme: confidence unrelated to actual size. Pete became patron saint.
Dating League Discourse: “Pete Davidson is proof men don’t need to be hot” vs “He’s actually attractive, stop the slander.”
Tattoo Removal Industry Boom: Pete’s constant cover-ups (over 100 tattoos, many for exes) sparked laser removal jokes.
SNL Career Boost: Relationships kept him in tabloids, raised SNL profile despite minimal screen time.
Kanye West Harassment
Pete eventually left Instagram after Kanye’s “Eazy” music video depicted claymation Pete being kidnapped and buried. Texted Kanye: “I’m in bed with your wife,” leaked screenshot.
Media Coverage
- The Cut: “Why do women love Pete Davidson?” (https://www.thecut.com/)
- Vulture: “The Pete Davidson Cinematic Universe” (https://www.vulture.com/)
- Rolling Stone: “Pete Davidson’s Big Dick Energy explained” (https://www.rollingstone.com/)
Pete’s dating history remains a case study in charisma, emotional intelligence, and society’s fascination with mismatched couples.