Pete Davidson, the well-known comedian, actor, and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, has struck a deal to resolve a reckless driving charge in California. Officials announced on Monday that Davidson will be required to fulfill his community service with the New York Fire Department.
Born and raised in Staten Island, Davidson’s father, Scott, was a New York City firefighter who tragically lost his life during the September 11th attacks. This deeply personal experience played a significant role in his 2020 film, “The King of Staten Island.”
The misdemeanor reckless driving charge was filed against Davidson last month by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. According to reports from The Los Angeles Times, Davidson crashed a Mercedes-Benz into a house near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills back in March. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
On July 19, a judge assigned Davidson to an 18-month diversion program, as stated by the district attorney’s office. Along with restitution, attending 12 hours of traffic school, and visiting a morgue to understand the consequences of reckless driving, Davidson must complete 50 hours of community service.
Davidson’s lawyer has indicated that the community service will likely be completed at the New York Fire Department. The specifics of the diversion program were previously reported by TMZ.
Although a lawyer for Davidson did not respond to requests for comment, Amanda Farinacci, a spokesperson for the Fire Department, referred to him as “the son of a 9/11 hero” and expressed the department’s willingness to provide him with an opportunity to serve. The district attorney’s office also confirmed that Davidson can fulfill the remaining requirements of the diversion program in New York.
Before joining “Saturday Night Live” in 2014, Davidson established himself as a stand-up comic. However, he left the show after its season finale in 2020. His most recent project is the streaming series titled “Bupkis.”
Taking into consideration his roots in Staten Island, completing his community service in New York could also give Davidson an opportunity to oversee another project close to his heart. Alongside fellow “Saturday Night Live” cast member Colin Jost, Davidson purchased a decommissioned ferry last year along with other investors for $280,000. The vision for the old vessel involves transforming it into an “arts and entertainment venue.” However, Davidson expressed uncertainty regarding the ferry’s future in an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” last month, stating, “Me and Colin were very stoned a year ago and bought a ferry. And we’re figuring it out.”
As Davidson moves forward, it remains to be seen how completing his community service and fulfilling the terms of his diversion program will impact his career and involvement with various projects, both in New York and beyond.