Pete Davidson is embarking on a fresh chapter in his life—a chapter that's notably devoid of tattoos. Renowned for his extensive body art—a collection he estimates totals around 200 pieces—the actor and comedian is gradually bidding farewell to his inked-up era.
Davidson first revealed his aspiration for a tattoo-free existence in 2020, noting that the extensive time required to conceal his tattoos was costing him opportunities in the film industry. However, in a recent interview with Variety, the Riff Raff star offered a more intimate rationale for enduring the lengthy and arduous journey of tattoo removal.
"I was once a drug addict, a sorrowful soul who felt ugly and in need of covering up," Davidson confessed. "So, I'm eradicating them to embark on a new beginning, as I believe it's the best course for my well-being and mindset. When I gaze into the mirror, I don't want the reminder of, 'Oh yeah, you were a drug-addled mess. Hence the SpongeBob smoking a joint etched onto your back.'"
As Davidson elaborated, the removal process is anything but simple—a grueling endeavor that inflicts immense pain. Over the past five years, he's successfully cleared his arms, hands, and neck of their previous ink, but each tattoo demands a grueling 10 to 12 sessions for complete eradication, a commitment spanning more than a year of Davidson's time. At this pace, he anticipates another decade before he's finally liberated from these haunting reminders of his past.
Regarding the removal process itself, Davidson likens it to "placing your arm on a blazing grill, watching a layer burn away. It's brutal, and I won't sugarcoat it." Yet, it's all an integral part of his journey, and he's determined to embrace every step with resilience and fortitude.
