Pete Davidson’s Brutal Tattoo Removal Process: A Candid Look at Erasing 200 Tattoos
Pete Davidson is known for his countless tattoos, including tributes to exes like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. But in a candid new interview, the comedian and actor shared the harsh reality of removing over 200 tattoos that mark a darker chapter of his life.
Davidson first started the tattoo removal process in 2020 and, three years later, he’s still in the midst of the grueling journey. In a recent interview with Variety, the “Bupkis” star opened up about what it’s really like to erase years of impulsive ink and how it has become an essential part of his personal transformation.
Pete Davidson Gets Honest About the Pain of Tattoo Removal
Pete Davidson didn’t sugarcoat the challenges of tattoo removal, describing the process as “horrible.” He admitted, “I started during COVID in 2020, and it’s gonna take me another 10 years.” The comedian compared the procedure to “putting your arm on a grill and burning off a layer.” He went on to explain that each session requires healing time, making the whole process both physically painful and time-consuming.
“I’m not gonna lie, it sucks,” Davidson confessed. “Each tattoo removal requires maintenance, and the healing process takes six to eight weeks. It’s like a 12-session ordeal per tattoo. It’s pretty tough.”
Why Pete Davidson is Removing His Tattoos: A Deeply Personal Reason
Davidson explained that the tattoos served as reminders of a time in his life when he was battling addiction and self-doubt. “I used to be a drug addict and a sad person,” he revealed. “I felt ugly and that I needed to be covered up.” The comedian emphasized that while he doesn’t have anything against tattoos in general, his personal ink reminds him of a version of himself he no longer wants to remember.
He described his infamous “SpongeBob smoking a joint” tattoo, saying, “They should have meaning. Not just that I was high watching ‘Game of Thrones.’” This tattoo, like many others, represents a part of his past that he’s eager to leave behind.
Pete Davidson’s Tattoo Removal Process: The Expensive Journey
The process of removing all of Davidson’s tattoos has been both time-consuming and costly. Sources revealed that he’s spent an eye-popping $200,000 on the tattoo removal process. Davidson’s decision to get rid of the ink is tied to his desire for a fresh start both mentally and physically. A source close to the actor said, “He woke up one day and wanted them gone,” noting that Davidson has been sober since September, and his life is heading in the right direction.
The Impulsive Tattoos That Marked Pete Davidson’s ‘Sad Boy’ Era
Davidson admits that many of his tattoos were made during impulsive, dark times in his life. “I made a lot of those decisions before rehab,” he explained. “I got a collection of cartoons smoking blunts, like a Muppet smoking a blunt, the Tootsie Pop owl smoking a blunt. I was a sad boy.” These tattoos, once a form of escape, now symbolize a part of his life he is determined to move past.
Pete Davidson’s Tattoo-Free Look: A Fresh Start
In recent months, Davidson has been showing off his tattoo-free body, surprising fans with his clean look. He recently posed for a Valentine’s Day campaign for Reformation, where he showcased his freshly bare skin. For the first time since beginning his tattoo removal journey, he posed shirtless, flaunting his muscles and a clear, ink-free torso.
The shoot not only highlighted his physical transformation but also marked a new chapter for the actor. The fresh, clean slate reflects his ongoing journey toward self-improvement, both personally and professionally.
Conclusion: Pete Davidson’s Tattoo Removal Marks a New Chapter
Pete Davidson’s tattoo removal journey is more than just an aesthetic change — it’s a symbol of his recovery, growth, and desire to let go of past regrets. As he continues to erase the tattoos that once marked his darkest moments, Davidson is also shedding the persona of a person he no longer recognizes. With a $200,000 investment and a 10-year timeline ahead, Pete Davidson is determined to embrace a future without the weight of his past tattoos.
