The first rule of a Pete Davidson set is: You do not talk about the Pete Davidson set.
The “Saturday Night Live” cast member has been making his audiences sign non-disclosure agreements before his shows since at least Nov. 7, entertainment news site Consequence of Sounds reports. And the fine for disobeying is hefty — violators must pay $1 million, the contract states.
News of the harsh NDAs surfaced on Nov. 27, when ticket buyer Stacy Young hit Facebook to post screenshots of an email she received ahead of the 26-year-old comedian’s show in San Francisco. “In short, by signing this agreement, you are agreeing not to discuss any details of the show you are about to watch or your experiences at this event, period,” the NDA states in bold type above its extensive fine print, going on to explicitly ban posting on social media. Breachers must pay not only the uncool million but also “any actual out-of-pocket expense, as well as any attorney fees,” it continues.
“I understood and was willing to consent to the initial request of locking up any phones or cameras brought to the event, but I think this a bit ridiculous and over the top,” writes Young. “I get that comedians are protective of their jokes and don’t want their routines rebroadcast, but it’s rather Orwellian to not allow anyone to share an opinion on it. Don’t perform for the public if you don’t want people to have an opinion about it!”
Some Davidson show attendees are still using social media to comment on his shows — if only to note that they’re worth signing the NDAs. Others feel more similarly to Young.
The speech ban is harsh even in the current environment, where cellphones are increasingly banned from exhibits and performances.
Davidson’s use of NDAs comes just months after students at the University of Central Florida violated his previous, less harsh no-cellphone rule at a show in August — to disastrous results. Davidson reamed the coeds over their tech use, ranting during the show that “the world is going to end in 25 years because you’re all f - - king retarded” and “You should f - - king grow up. It says no phones . . . You’re just supposed to just like behave. I have to have my boy patrol you guys like you’re 5 years old? That’s f - - king embarrassing.”
The university condemned Davidson’s reaction.
“Mr. Davidson’s 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. It’s disappointing that his rant spoiled an event that was meant to welcome students back for the fall semester,” they told Page Six in a statement at the time.