Their unexpected romance captivated the world, but ultimately, Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson’s relationship ran its course. From a surprising on-screen kiss during a Saturday Night Live sketch to a whirlwind nine-month romance, the journey of Kim And Pete was anything but ordinary. This timeline delves into every key moment of their relationship, offering a comprehensive look at their love story, from its spark to its amicable end.
Their paths first crossed long before romance blossomed. In January 2019, Kim Kardashian West, as she was then known, shared a photo on Twitter featuring Pete Davidson alongside her then-husband Kanye West and Timothée Chalamet at Kid Cudi’s birthday celebration. This initial encounter was purely platonic, setting the stage for a future connection neither could have predicted.
The Spark Ignites on Saturday Night Live
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October 9, 2021, marked a pivotal moment for Kim and Pete. Kardashian hosted Saturday Night Live, showcasing her comedic talent and engaging in various skits. It was during an Aladdin and Jasmine-themed sketch, where she and Davidson shared an on-screen kiss, that the initial spark ignited. Kardashian later admitted on Amanda Hirsch’s podcast that the kiss had a “little zing,” marking her first kiss with someone other than Kanye West in a decade. This SNL appearance became the unexpected catalyst for their relationship.
From On-Screen Chemistry to Real-World Rumors
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The on-screen chemistry between Kim and Pete quickly translated into off-screen speculation. By October 30, 2021, relationship rumors began swirling when they were seen together at Knott’s Scary Farm. Photos obtained exclusively by PEOPLE showed Kardashian and Davidson holding hands on a rollercoaster, accompanied by Kourtney Kardashian, Travis Barker, and friends. Initially, sources downplayed the connection, stating they were “just friends.” However, by November, another insider hinted at a deeper connection, noting their undeniable “chemistry.” This public outing fueled the growing buzz around Kim and Pete.
Staten Island Dates and Birthday Celebrations
The budding romance between Kim and Pete continued to blossom in November 2021. They were spotted having dinner in Staten Island, Davidson’s hometown, at the Italian restaurant Campania. Reports indicated Davidson arranged a private rooftop dinner, further suggesting a developing intimacy.
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Adding to the evidence of their deepening connection, Kim Kardashian joined Kris Jenner and Flavor Flav to celebrate Pete Davidson’s 28th birthday on November 16, 2021, at Jenner’s Palm Springs home. Flavor Flav shared photos of the group in matching SKIMS pajamas, marking a significant step in their relationship as Kardashian integrated into Davidson’s inner circle, and vice versa. Sources revealed that even with geographical distance, Kim and Pete maintained close contact, enjoying each other’s company and growing closer.
Palm Springs and Los Angeles Romantic Dinners
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Following Davidson’s birthday celebrations, Kim and Pete were seen in Palm Springs holding hands, Davidson still sporting his SKIMS pajama pants. Their public displays of affection continued as they enjoyed a romantic dinner in Los Angeles at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. Eyewitness accounts described them as flirty and affectionate, solidifying their status as a couple in the public eye.
Breakfast Dates and Staten Island Movie Nights
Their dates became more frequent and public. In late November 2021, a tourist spotted Kim and Pete having breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel, further confirming their blossoming romance. By December, their relationship was firmly established as they were seen together on another Staten Island outing. This time, Scott Disick joined them for a movie night watching Spider-Man: No Way Home, followed by dinner at Angelina’s Ristorante. The Italian restaurant even shared photos of Kim and Pete with Disick, acknowledging their celebrity patrons.
Christmas Apart and Bahamas Getaway
Despite spending quality time together, Kim and Pete spent Christmas 2021 apart. Kardashian celebrated with her children, while Davidson remained in Los Angeles. However, the New Year saw Kim and Pete taking their romance internationally with a trip to the Bahamas. Photos surfaced of them enjoying a boat trip together, appearing happy and relaxed, marking their first vacation as a couple.
Dinner at Jeff Bezos’ House and “Girlfriend” Status
January 2022 saw Kim and Pete further solidify their status in celebrity circles by attending a dinner party at Jeff Bezos’ Los Angeles home. This high-profile event highlighted their growing presence as a power couple. In February 2022, Pete Davidson publicly referred to Kim Kardashian as his “girlfriend” for the first time during an interview with PEOPLE (The TV Show!), officially confirming their relationship status to the world.
Valentine’s Day and Instagram Official
Kim and Pete celebrated their first Valentine’s Day in February 2022 with a romantic dinner at Lilia in Brooklyn, New York. They were seen holding hands and enjoying a private dining experience. Kim Kardashian even wore the same fuzzy coat she had worn before her SNL debut, adding a sentimental touch to the occasion.
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Kim Kardashian/Instagram
March 11, 2022, marked another milestone as Kim and Pete became Instagram official. Kardashian shared photos of them lounging together, captioning the post with a playful Thelma & Louise reference. This public acknowledgment on social media cemented their relationship in the eyes of fans and the media.
Ellen Appearance, The Kardashians Premiere, and Red Carpet Debut
In March 2022, Kardashian gushed about her relationship with Davidson on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, admitting she hadn’t dated since before Instagram existed and was navigating the new rules of public romance. She expressed her happiness and affection for Davidson.
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Paul Morigi/Getty
Davidson supported Kardashian at The Kardashians premiere in Los Angeles in April 2022, holding hands and showcasing their public affection. Later that month, Kim and Pete made their official red carpet debut at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 30, 2022. Kardashian stunned in a silver gown, while Davidson opted for a more casual suit and Vans, representing their contrasting yet complementary styles.
Met Gala Appearance and First Move Revelation
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In May 2022, Kim and Pete attended the Met Gala, one of the most prestigious events in the fashion world. Despite controversy surrounding Kardashian’s choice to wear Marilyn Monroe’s dress, her date with Davidson was a highlight, with Davidson assisting her on the Met steps and displaying affectionate support. In June 2022, Kardashian revealed on The Kardashians that she initiated the relationship, reaching out to a SNL producer for Davidson’s number after their on-screen kiss. She humorously admitted she was “basically DTF,” highlighting the unexpected nature of their initial connection.
Island Getaways and SNL Confessions
Kim and Pete enjoyed a romantic getaway to Tahiti in June 2022, where Kardashian joked that Davidson passed the “content taking boyfriend test.” She shared intimate photos of their vacation, showcasing their playful and passionate dynamic. Later in June, Kardashian confessed on The Tonight Show that she had never watched SNL before hosting, revealing Davidson had to educate her about the show’s history, adding a humorous layer to their relationship narrative.
The Split: Busy Schedules and “Ran Its Course”
However, the whirlwind romance of Kim and Pete faced challenges. By August 5, 2022, PEOPLE confirmed their split. Sources cited busy schedules and long distance as contributing factors, with Davidson filming in Australia and Kardashian managing her businesses and family in Los Angeles. Insiders revealed the relationship had “run its course,” despite the initial intense connection and fun they shared. Reconciliation was deemed “not in the cards.”
Post-Breakup Reflections and Friendly Encounters
Despite the breakup, there was no animosity between Kim and Pete. In September 2022, Kardashian described Davidson as “such a good person” and a “cutie” in an interview with Interview Magazine, emphasizing their amicable split. She later hinted at seeking a different type of partner in the future, mentioning doctors or lawyers.
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Usher, Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian. Kevin Mazur/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
In October 2022, Kardashian humorously addressed the public’s fascination with Davidson dating “hot girls,” praising his kind and thoughtful nature on The Kardashians. She also shared anecdotes about their relationship, including fireplace sex inspired by her grandmother. By January 2023, Davidson appeared to have removed his tattoos dedicated to Kardashian, signifying closure. However, in a surprising turn, Kim and Pete had a friendly run-in at the 2023 Met Gala in May, even photographed holding hands in conversation, demonstrating their continued amicable relationship. Kardashian later reflected on the breakup in The Kardashians season 3 premiere, expressing “guilt” and regret for the “fast” romance, wishing she had taken more time to heal from her previous relationship before diving into dating Davidson. Despite moving on, sources indicated in October 2024 that Kim and Pete “still talk occasionally,” underscoring the lasting friendly connection between the former couple.
Conclusion: A Chapter Closed, Fond Memories Remain
The romance of Kim and Pete, though brief, was a significant chapter in both their lives, filled with public fascination and genuine affection. From an unexpected SNL spark to red carpet appearances and intimate confessions, their journey was a whirlwind. While their relationship ultimately concluded, the timeline reveals a story of two individuals who found joy and connection, leaving behind fond memories and a continued friendship.