Numerous social media users accuse them of being flirting, but source says they were there as part of a joke
Pete Davidson and Machine Gun Kelly, the opening act on Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards, reportedly made their first public appearance together since splitting.
Neither rapper has commented on the photo, which was taken in the nail salon where Davidson visits every few days.
Pete Davidson (@petedavidson) Photo you are keeping private. pic.twitter.com/0QgO0LCbg6
In the picture, Davidson is wearing black shades and holding his arm in a callow way, a method of deflecting attention that has often been parodied in videos on his own account. Meanwhile, Kelly wears a simple jacket and crocheted shoes.
His 6 million Twitter followers immediately speculated the picture was evidence of a blossoming romance, prompting Davidson to tweet it would remain private.
Billy Corgan (@BillyCorgan) ‘Hide yourself Pete! We all saw you cross that line last night!’
Adam DeVine (@AdamDevine) @petedavidson x @machinegunkelly both have an unmistakable ‘thing’ right now
Quinn Harris (@ImQuinnHarris) @petedavidson did someone actually end up on your bed earlier?
Adding fuel to the fire, Davidson again deleted all reference to Kelly from his Twitter account.
Yvette Noel-Schure (@yoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYoYo) ‘I refuse to speak out of both sides of my mouth’
A source told TMZ that the two artists met at a hotspot in Manhattan and met up a number of times over the weekend, trying on outfits and acting like a couple. However, the source said the relationship is a “public joke”.
Davidson and Kelly split in July after a handful of months together, following reports that Davidson cheated on the popstar. He also admitted he had “severe suicidal thoughts” following the break-up, taking the brave step of seeking help.
The new photo comes after a steady stream of dating rumours, despite the fact that the comedian is engaged to Ariana Grande, who played a supporting role at the VMAs.
Last week, People Magazine reported that the 25-year-old singer was visiting Davidson in his Manhattan apartment, ostensibly to put him at ease. But another report, also by People, claimed she was still not speaking to her fiancé.
Davidson and Grande have been together since early 2016, but announced they were engaged in May.