Pete Davidson is opening up about the emotional, painful, and expensive journey of removing over 200 tattoos from his body, a decision deeply connected to his struggles with addiction and self-image. The comedian and actor, known for his irreverent humor and candid personality, began the tattoo removal process in 2020, initially citing practical reasons—covering tattoos with makeup on set took too long. But in a recent interview with Variety, Davidson revealed that the decision is much more personal.
Pete Davidson. Credit / Getty Images
A Deeply Personal Decision
Davidson shared that his motivation for removing the tattoos goes beyond practicality. “It was really just because I wasn’t taking care of myself,” he confessed. “I used to be a drug addict and I was a sad person. I felt ugly, and I thought I needed to be covered up.” While he emphasized that he’s not against tattoos, Davidson explained that, for him, the ink symbolized a darker chapter in his life.
“When I look at them, I see someone who was very unsure,” Davidson admitted. “So I’m removing them and starting fresh — because that’s what works best for me and for my brain.” Now sober, he no longer wants his body to hold visual reminders of his past struggles. “When I look in the mirror, I don’t want to see, ‘Oh yeah, you were a f**king drug addict.’ That’s why you’ve got SpongeBob smoking a joint on your back. Tattoos should have meaning, not just that I was high watching Game of Thrones.”
Credit: Bobby Bank / GC Images.
The Grueling Process
The tattoo removal process is not only painful but also physically demanding. Each session requires six weeks of healing, and most tattoos need 10 to 12 sessions. Davidson described it as “putting your arm on a grill and burning off a layer.” He admitted that the process “sucks” and is incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally.
The financial cost is also significant. Davidson revealed that he had already spent around $200,000 on the removal process, and he’s only about 30% done. “It’s gonna suck,” he joked, adding, “Now that I’ve mentioned my tattoo remover by name, though, he’s a little nicer, for sure.”
Transformation Beyond Tattoos
Davidson’s decision to undergo this grueling process isn’t just about removing tattoos; it’s part of his broader commitment to personal transformation. By removing the tattoos, he’s not only changing his appearance but also taking a step toward shedding the reminders of a difficult past. Though the journey is painful, Davidson is determined to move forward, both physically and emotionally.
As he continues on this path of healing and change, Davidson’s decision to transform his body serves as a testament to his resilience and desire to start fresh.
