Pete Davidson slammed by Florida university for 'abusive' rant over students' phone usage

Pete Davidson.
(Image credit: KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images)

The University of Central Florida says it's disappointed in comedian Pete Davidson after he went on a wild rant tearing into students during a recent performance.

The Saturday Night Live star performed at the Orlando, Florida college on Monday and at one point launched into an angry rant in which he said that the school is in the "middle of f---ing nowhere" and that the crowd is filled with "privileged little a--holes," per The Hollywood Reporter.

The rant was apparently sparked by Davidson's anger over students using their phones during the event, and although the crowd at first appeared to be on his side over this grievance, things got awkward as his rant continued and he told the audience they're "all f---ing retarded" and repeatedly urged them to "grow up." Davidson drew some boos before he finally moved on and continued the show.

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A spokesperson for the University of Central Florida is now calling Davidson out for this rant, saying in a statement to the Reporter that his "abusive language, particularly his use of a derogatory slur, is contrary to the University of Central Florida's values of inclusion and respect for all." The spokesperson goes on to say that it's "disappointing that his rant spoiled an event that was meant to welcome students back for the fall semester."

Though Davidson mentioned that "it says no phones," TMZ reports that "there weren't any signs posted about cell phone use," and no one mentioned this rule before Davidson came out. The comedian's rant can be watched on YouTube since, ironically, it was apparently filmed on someone's phone.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.