If you spend enough time on the internet, you’ve probably seen the "girl code" debates. They’re everywhere. Especially when it comes to Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. For years, people have tried to pit them against each other, mostly because they share a very famous, very tall, and very tattooed ex-boyfriend: Pete Davidson.
But honestly? The "beef" is basically a myth.
Most people assume that when Kim started dating Pete in late 2021—just a few years after his whirlwind engagement to Ariana crashed and burned—there must have been some behind-the-scenes drama. You’d think there would be shady tweets or deleted follows. Instead, we got the exact opposite. We got a masterclass in how A-list celebrities navigate tiny social circles without losing their minds.
Why the Pete Davidson Connection Didn't Break Them
Let’s look at the facts. Pete and Ariana were the "it" couple of 2018. They were engaged after like, five minutes. Then, it ended. Fast forward to October 2021, and Kim Kardashian is kissing Pete on a magic carpet during an SNL skit.
Fans lost it. They waited for Ariana to react.
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But she didn’t throw shade. In March 2022, while Kim and Pete were very much a thing, Ariana actually sent Kim a huge gift box from her brand, r.e.m. beauty. Kim didn't hide it either. She posted the package on her Instagram Stories, tagged Ariana, and played her music in the background. It was a loud and clear message: we’re good.
It’s easy to forget that these two have a history that goes way back before the Staten Island King entered the chat.
Back in 2017, Kim was taking North West to Ariana’s Dangerous Woman tour. They were taking selfies backstage like normal people (well, as normal as billionaires get). Then you have the "7 Rings" era, where Kris Jenner—the matriarch herself—made that iconic cameo in the "Thank U, Next" music video. You don't put a momager in your video if you aren't tight with the family.
The Wicked Screening and 2026 Vibes
Fast forward to more recent events. As Ariana transitioned into her "Glinda" era for the Wicked movies, the support from the Kardashian camp didn't slow down. In late 2024, Kim even hosted a private Wicked screening at her house. Ariana and her co-star Cynthia Erivo actually showed up.
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Think about that.
If there was even a shred of genuine animosity over an ex-boyfriend from years ago, would you spend your Friday night at his other ex's mansion watching your own movie? Probably not.
By early 2026, the narrative has shifted from "ex-girlfriend rivalry" to "business mogul respect." Kim’s brand, SKIMS, and Ariana’s r.e.m. beauty exist in the same ecosystem of celebrity-led commerce. They aren't just pop culture figures; they are peers in a very small club of women who have successfully turned fame into billion-dollar valuations.
What Most People Get Wrong
- The "Stolen" Aesthetic: People love to claim Kim copies Ariana’s style or vice versa. In reality, they both work with the same high-end stylists and makeup artists. Trends move fast in Calabasas and London.
- The Silence Means War: Ariana is notoriously private these days. If she isn't commenting on Kim's posts, it’s not a snub. She’s just busy being a movie star.
- The Kanye Factor: People forget Kanye West once went on a weird tangent about Ariana years ago. Ariana handled it with grace, and Kim—who was going through her own struggles with Kanye at the time—clearly appreciated the lack of retaliation.
A Lesson in High-Level Networking
There is something kinda refreshing about how they handle the spotlight. They’ve both been through the ringer with the media. They’ve both had very public divorces and breakups.
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Maybe that’s why they get along.
They understand the "game" better than almost anyone else. When Kim captions a photo "Just Like Magic," it’s a nod to Ariana’s song. It’s a signal to the fanbases to keep things chill. It’s also great for SEO, let's be real.
If you’re looking for a scandal, you’re looking in the wrong place. These two are a prime example of how to stay professional and even friendly when your personal lives overlap in messy ways.
Next Steps for the Superfan:
- Check the receipts: Go back and look at the "Thank U, Next" video. Kris Jenner’s "You're doing amazing, sweetie" energy is the foundation of this friendship.
- Watch the SNL episode: If you haven't seen Kim’s 2021 SNL hosting debut, watch the Aladdin sketch. It’s the bridge between these two worlds.
- Follow the business moves: Keep an eye on SKIMS pop-ups. Kim frequently features Ariana’s discography on the store playlists. It's a subtle but constant show of support.
The reality is simple: Pete Davidson might be a common denominator, but he’s not the focal point. Kim and Ariana have built a mutual respect that survives the tabloid cycles.