CW: This article contains reference to suicide.
IN DECEMBER OF last year, Michael Rapaport decided to criticise Ariana Grande’s appearance in a move which left many social media users feeling somewhat perplexed.
After publicly deriding a young woman – 23 his junior – for no apparent reason, Michael refused to apologise, proffering a peculiar defense.
When I talk viciously about The Leader of the Free World aka Dick Stain Donald Trump or Tiki Torch Tough Guys in Virginia, I’m a Social Media HERO, but a joke about Ariana Grande is SHAMING. EAT Dwycks SnowFlakes.
Just over six weeks on, Michael has now taken aim at Ariana’s ex-fiancé Pete Davidson.
Speaking on You Up with Nikki Glaser on SiriusXM’s Comedy Central Radio, Michael said he thought Pete’s conduct in the aftermath of a worrying social media post last December was bad form.
In it, Pete, who suffers from mental health issues and once drew a correlation between online harrassment and suicidal ideation, wrote:
I really don’t want to be on this earth anymore. I’m doing my best to stay here for you, but I actually don’t know how much longer I can last. All I’ve ever tried to do was help people. Just remember I told you so.
According to eonline, Michael said: “The Pete Davidson thing, I was annoyed with this f****ng guy and his f*****g suicide attempt note, and then not apologising for it. That really offended me.”
The fact that he’s come back and didn’t acknowledge – yo to all my fans, to the New York City police department, to the people I work with and all my fans that were worried – I apologise for saying that.
As it happens, Pete did briefly acknowledge the post while appearing on Saturday Night Live in January.
While he didn’t provide a detailed statement into his frame of mind at the time of posting, the exchange between himself and his co-star John Mulaney gave Pete a chance to acknowledge the incident while providing Saturday Night Live the opportunity to reach out to Pete in front of millions.
“I’ve been spending time with Pete to try to show him that you can have a life in comedy that is not insane,” John told viewers. “A sober, domestic life.”
“Yeah, and after observing John’s life, I publicly threatened suicide. I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t make that joke, but it is funny,” Pete responded.
At that moment, John replied: “Pete, look me in the eye. You are loved by many and we are glad you are OK.”
It may not have been an approach chosen by everyone, but it was clearly one which Pete felt comfortable with, as evidenced by the distinct flash of discomfort he suddenly displayed when John attempted to extend well wishes towards him.
If Pete’s approach to a particularly personal situation wasn’t to Michael Rapaport’s liking, that’s unfortunate, but those who support the 25-year-old performer will likely have accepted and understood the intention behind his exchange with John Mulaney.
