Pete Davidson: Police check on Saturday Night Live star after troubling Instagram post

Concerns raised for comedian after he writes: 'I really don't want to be on this earth anymore'

Police visited Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson after an alarming social media post sparked fears for his welfare.

Concerns were raised for the US comedian and actor, 25, following an Instagram post in which he wrote: “I really don’t want to be on this earth anymore.”

He added: “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.”

Davidson, who went through a break-up with popstar Ariana Grande earlier this year, concluded the message with a heart emoji.

He later deleted his Instagram account and appeared as scheduled on SNL, which is broadcast live.

New York police said they had checked on the comedian, but did not say where officers met him.

Earlier this month, the comedian wrote on Instagram about suffering from borderline personality disorder, being targeted by online trolls, and feeling suicidal. He said he was speaking out about his mental health “only in the hopes that it will help bring awareness and help kids like myself who don’t want to be on this earth”.

He added: “No matter how hard the internet or anyone tries to make me kill myself. I won’t. I’m upset I even have to say this.”

On Saturday, before the post which sparked concerns about his safety, Davidson had applauded Kanye West for being frank about his own struggles.

“Bravo Kanye West for standing up for yourself and speaking out against mental health,” he wrote on Instagram. “I can’t explain to you enough how difficult and scary it is to be honest about stuff like this.”

In what appeared to be a dig at Grande, who had joked that West and Drake’s recent feud was distracting people from her new song, Davidson added: “No one should ever point fingers at you for your bravery in speaking about mental health. I’m seriously disgusted.”

Grande later tweeted: “Man I’m so sorry I told a dumb joke. I really didn’t mean any harm. All I want everyone to be healthy and happy. So desperately.”

In a further post seemingly aimed at Davidson, she added: “I’m downstairs and I’m not going anywhere if you need anyone or anything. I know u have everyone u need and that’s not me, but I’m here too.”

According to TMZ, Grande made her way to Manhattan’s 30 Rock building, where SNL is filmed, after Davidson’s Instagram post raised fears for his safety.

Davidson and Grande announced their engagement in June but broke up in October.

Actor Jon Cryer, who is friends with Davidson, tweeted that the comedian was “accounted for” at SNL’s studios on Saturday.

“We are thinking of you, Pete. You are loved,” he said.

During his appearance on the programme, Davidson introduced a performance of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by guests Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson and the Beatles star’s son, Sean Ono Lennon.

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