Pete Davidson’s Journey of Tattoo Removal: An In-Depth Look
Renowned comedian and actor Pete Davidson has recently revealed his commitment to removing his extensive collection of tattoos, having already invested approximately $200,000 in the process so far. Currently, about 30% of his tattoos have been eliminated, with a long road ahead.
The decision to undergo this removal process comes as Davidson embraces a new phase in his career, transitioning from comedy to acting. In a candid interview with Variety published on April 23, he elaborated on the extensive tattoo removal journey, which he anticipates could last a decade.
The Painful Necessity of Change
When questioned about the motives behind erasing his tattoos, Davidson provided a poignant insight into his mindset:
“And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with tattoos, but mine, when I look at them, I remember a sad person that was very unsure. So I’m just removing them and starting fresh, because that’s what I think works best for me and for my brain.”
Davidson commenced this journey in 2020. He has been vocal about the challenges associated with tattoo removal, describing the process as expensive, time-intensive, and painful.
Costly Commitment to Healing
In the same interview, Davidson expressed the difficulty of discussing the financial aspect of his journey. He stated:
“It’s a pretty uncomfortable amount of money to disclose, but I think one of the tabloids already leaked it. I’ve already spent like 200K and I’m like 30% done. So, like, it’s gonna suck. Now that I’ve said [the tattoo remover’s] name, though, he’s a little nicer, for sure.”
The tattoo removal process is not only costly; it is also extremely time-consuming. Davidson mentioned that each tattoo might require between 10 to 12 sessions, with a healing period of about six weeks between each session. Consequently, the removal of a single tattoo might span approximately 60 weeks.
He has candidly compared the removal sensation to burning a layer of skin, acknowledging the intensive nature of the ordeal. Davidson predicts it will require an additional 10 years to completely eradicate all of his tattoos.
Pete Davidson’s Transformative Journey
Delving deeper into his past, Davidson shed light on the context behind his tattoos, many of which were acquired during a turbulent period in his life marked by drug addiction and low self-esteem.
“It was really just because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I used to be a drug addict and I was a sad person, and I felt ugly and that I needed to be covered up.”
“When I look in the mirror, I don’t want the reminder of, ‘Oh yeah, you were a f***ing drug addict. Like, that’s why you have SpongeBob smoking a joint on your back.’ They should have meaning. Not just that I was high watching ‘Game of Thrones.'”
Davidson also highlighted the impact of his body art on his acting career. He admitted that the presence of tattoos often necessitates arriving at sets three hours earlier for coverage, which can be quite taxing.
His journey of tattoo removal goes beyond cosmetic changes; it represents a profound personal transformation as he seeks to distance himself from reminders of his past, striving to embrace a healthier future.