Pete Davidson Kim Kardashian: What Really Happened Between Them

Celebrity romances often dominate headlines, but few captured the public’s imagination like the whirlwind relationship between Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian. From the moment they kissed on Saturday Night Live in October 2021 to their amicable breakup in August 2022, the pair became a staple of pop-culture conversations. Fans wanted to know every detail: What happened to Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson? Did they actually date? What did Kim admit about Pete? And what about their much-discussed age gap?
This article dives deep into their relationship, covering the full timeline, candid admissions, and cultural significance of this unlikely yet captivating pairing.
How It All Started: From SNL to Real Life
The story of Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson begins on October 9, 2021, when Kim hosted Saturday Night Live. During the show, she appeared in a sketch alongside Pete, playing Princess Jasmine to his Aladdin. The two shared a stage kiss that sparked curiosity—and, as we later learned, a real attraction.
At first, fans dismissed the moment as just comedy. After all, Kim was freshly separated from Kanye West, and Pete was known for his short but high-profile relationships with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kaia Gerber, and Phoebe Dynevor. But by late October, whispers of a romance began circulating as the two were spotted holding hands at Knott’s Scary Farm in California.
By November 2021, news outlets confirmed what many suspected: Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson were dating.
Did Pete Davidson Ever Date Kim Kardashian?
The answer is simple: yes. They dated for roughly nine months, from October/November 2021 until August 2022.
The couple gradually went public. They were photographed on casual dates in Los Angeles and New York, vacationed together in the Bahamas, and eventually made their red-carpet debut at the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Their most iconic appearance came in May 2022 at the Met Gala, where Kim wore Marilyn Monroe’s legendary “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, with Pete escorting her as the world’s cameras flashed.
For a short time, “Kim and Pete” were everywhere—on magazine covers, in memes, and at the center of fan speculation. Their chemistry seemed real, even if unexpected.
What Did Kim Admit About Pete?
Perhaps the most surprising revelation came directly from Kim herself on her family’s Hulu show, The Kardashians. In a June 2022 episode, Kim admitted that after the SNL kiss, she was intrigued—not just by Pete, but by the “BDE” rumors that had long followed him. She confessed that she wasn’t necessarily looking for a relationship at first but was “DTF.”
Her candidness shocked fans. Here was Kim Kardashian, one of the most famous women in the world, openly admitting she pursued Pete Davidson because of his reputation and charm. What started as physical attraction soon evolved into something deeper, as Kim explained she grew to genuinely appreciate Pete’s humor, kindness, and ability to make her feel at ease.
Later, after their breakup, Kim also admitted that the split was “sad.” She emphasized that Pete “went through a lot” because of their relationship—likely referencing the intense media scrutiny and online harassment, much of it tied to Kanye West’s public outbursts. In a moment of reflection, Kim confessed she carried “a lot of guilt” over how things unfolded.
The Age Gap Question: 13 Years Apart
One of the most-discussed aspects of their romance was the age gap. Kim Kardashian was 41 years old when they began dating, while Pete Davidson was just 28.
The 13-year difference fueled endless debates online. Some fans applauded Kim for embracing a younger partner after years in a marriage defined by drama, while others raised questions about longevity. Celebrity media outlets latched onto the narrative, highlighting the unconventional pairing as part of what made the relationship so fascinating.
But for the couple themselves, the age gap didn’t seem to matter much. Kim often described Pete as mature beyond his years, while Pete openly admired Kim’s success, confidence, and family devotion.
The Breakup: What Happened to Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson?
By August 2022, the romance had run its course. Reports surfaced that the couple had split amicably, with sources citing long-distance challenges and demanding schedules.
Kim was balancing her law studies, motherhood, and business ventures, while Pete was filming projects around the world, including a movie in Australia. Friends close to them explained that the spark was real but sustaining the relationship proved difficult under the weight of busy lives and media pressure.
Kim herself later admitted on The Kardashians that she needed “time to herself” after the breakup. It wasn’t about drama or betrayal—it was simply about timing. Both stars remain publicly supportive of each other, even reuniting in February 2025 at Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special in New York, where they were spotted chatting and laughing together.
Why Their Relationship Captured the World
So why did the Kim and Pete story dominate celebrity news cycles? A few reasons stand out:
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Unexpected Pairing: Few people predicted the worlds of Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson colliding. The shock value alone created buzz.
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Public Fascination with Pete: Davidson has long intrigued fans for his self-deprecating humor, openness about mental health, and surprising dating history. Pairing him with Kim amplified that intrigue.
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Contrast with Kanye West: Kim’s previous relationship was marked by luxury, drama, and control. With Pete, she appeared lighter, happier, and more playful.
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Pop Culture Symbolism: Their romance symbolized a moment where celebrity dating culture embraced unpredictability and broke traditional molds of age, status, and personality matches.
Lessons and Reflections
Looking back, the Kim and Pete relationship offered more than just gossip fodder. It provided a glimpse into the complexities of dating under the microscope of fame:
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Vulnerability in admissions: Kim’s honesty about her initial intentions with Pete challenged taboos about women expressing sexual agency.
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Mental health in the spotlight: Pete’s openness about his struggles—and the harassment he endured—sparked conversations about how celebrity relationships affect real human well-being.
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Changing norms: The 13-year age gap showcased how society continues to debate gendered double standards in dating.
Final Thoughts
Though their romance lasted less than a year, the story of Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson remains one of the most memorable celebrity relationships of the 2020s. It had all the ingredients of modern celebrity fascination: a viral beginning, a glamorous peak, and a bittersweet end.
In the end, both stars walked away with respect for one another, even if their paths diverged. Kim’s candid admissions and Pete’s enduring popularity ensure that their relationship will be revisited in pop culture discussions for years to come.
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