Pete Davidson shocks audiences by referencing Charlie Kirk and calling Kanye West a “gay Nazi” in a roast performance that sparks massive public backlash and controversy.

Pete Davidson once again found himself at the center of controversy after delivering a set of provocative jokes during a high-profile comedy roast event, where he referenced the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and reignited his long-running feud with rapper Kanye West. The performance, which was part of a comedy special featuring multiple well-known comedians, quickly sparked widespread debate online due to the tone and subject matter of Davidson’s remarks.

During his set, Davidson made a remark referencing fellow performer Tony Hinchcliffe in a way that also invoked Kirk’s name. He said: “Tony reminds me of Charlie Kirk, in that he’s definitely been on camera letting a guy unload in his throat.” The comment, delivered in a roast-style format, immediately drew backlash from audiences who felt the reference to Kirk’s death crossed a line. Kirk, who was fatally shot in the neck during a public event in Utah in 2025, remains a deeply polarizing figure in American political discourse, and his death continues to be a sensitive subject.

Davidson continued pushing boundaries during the same performance, adding an additional dark punchline aimed at Hinchcliffe, saying: “Oh, you don’t know me? Kill Tony. Please someone f***ing kill Tony.” The remark, clearly intended as shock humor within the roast tradition, nonetheless contributed to the growing controversy surrounding the set.

The performance did not stop there. Davidson also turned his attention back to Kanye West, reigniting one of Hollywood’s most infamous modern celebrity feuds. Referring to his past conflicts with the rapper, he joked: “I was in a beef with Kanye, so I’ve taken shots from better gay Nazis.” The line referenced both West’s history of antisemitic remarks and Davidson’s own long-standing public clashes with him, though the phrasing was widely criticized for its inflammatory nature.

Davidson and West’s feud dates back several years, originally erupting after Davidson began dating Kim Kardashian following her separation from West. What began as indirect tension escalated into a highly public war of words on social media, music lyrics, and interviews, with West frequently targeting Davidson in posts and creative works, while Davidson responded through comedy and televised appearances.

West notably referenced Davidson in his 2022 music material, including a lyric expressing violent imagery, and also released visual content that depicted caricatured versions of the comedian. The situation intensified on social media, where West repeatedly mocked Davidson and assigned him derogatory nicknames during the height of their dispute.

At the time, Davidson reportedly struggled with the psychological impact of the sustained public harassment. Friends and sources close to the comedian later revealed that he had entered therapy, citing the intensity of the online attention and personal attacks as a contributing factor to emotional distress.

Despite the seriousness of the feud at its peak, Davidson has continued to reference West in his comedy over the years, often framing it as part of his personal history navigating fame, relationships, and online scrutiny. His latest remarks suggest that, while the public intensity of their conflict has cooled, it still remains a recurring subject in his stand-up material.

Beyond the controversy, Davidson’s career trajectory has continued to evolve significantly. Rising to fame as one of the youngest cast members ever on “Saturday Night Live,” he quickly became known for his self-deprecating humor, candid discussions about mental health, and willingness to address personal struggles in his comedy.

Over the years, he has expanded into film, writing, and producing, building a reputation as a comedian who blends vulnerability with sharp, often provocative observational humor. His stand-up specials and film roles have contributed to his image as a performer who frequently blurs the line between personal experience and comedic exaggeration.

Davidson’s personal life has also remained a frequent topic in media coverage. His high-profile relationships, including his widely publicized romance with Kim Kardashian, brought him into constant tabloid attention. The relationship, which lasted under a year, became one of the most discussed celebrity pairings of its time, largely due to the cultural contrast between the two public figures and the lingering presence of Kardashian’s divorce from Kanye West.

Following the breakup, Davidson continued to date within the public eye, including relationships with other models and actresses, each drawing varying levels of media attention. Despite this, he has often stated in interviews that he prefers aspects of his personal life to remain private, even as public interest in his relationships persists.

In recent years, Davidson has also been open about his mental health journey, including his experiences with borderline personality disorder and rehabilitation efforts. He has spoken candidly about the challenges of navigating fame at a young age, particularly under the pressures of constant online commentary and public scrutiny.

Kanye West, meanwhile, has remained one of the most controversial figures in global entertainment and fashion. His career as a musician and designer has been repeatedly overshadowed by public controversies, including widely condemned antisemitic statements that led to major professional and commercial fallout. West has issued public apologies in the past, though his statements and behavior continue to generate debate.

The intersection of West’s controversies and Davidson’s comedic references to them reflects a broader pattern in modern celebrity culture, where personal conflicts, online discourse, and entertainment increasingly overlap. Davidson’s jokes, while framed within the tradition of roast comedy, highlight how unresolved public feuds continue to resurface years after their peak intensity.

Charlie Kirk’s mention in Davidson’s set also adds another layer of complexity, given the political weight surrounding Kirk’s public life and tragic death. As a prominent conservative voice and founder of a major political youth organization, Kirk was a deeply divisive figure in American politics. His death in 2025 prompted widespread reactions across the political spectrum, and references to him in entertainment contexts continue to generate strong responses.

The use of such sensitive figures in comedy is not new, particularly in roast formats, but it increasingly raises questions about boundaries in modern stand-up. Davidson’s performance sits within a long tradition of provocative comedy, yet it also reflects a shifting cultural landscape where audience sensitivity and online amplification significantly shape public reaction.

Despite the backlash, Davidson remains one of the most recognizable comedians of his generation. His ability to convert personal turmoil, public relationships, and media scrutiny into comedic material has defined much of his career. Supporters argue that his style is rooted in honesty and self-awareness, while critics contend that his humor sometimes crosses ethical lines when involving sensitive subjects.

As reactions continue to circulate, the incident reinforces Davidson’s ongoing position in entertainment as both a popular and polarizing figure. His work consistently draws attention not only for its comedic content but also for the cultural conversations it sparks around fame, accountability, and the evolving limits of comedy in the digital age.