Pete Davidson embarked on a long journey to remove his tattoos, prioritizing mental health.
From the beginning to now
Pete Davidson has made a frank confession: the ink he got on his body in his past life has become a burden, not a memory.
The 31-year-old comedian explained that he once went through a drug addiction and felt “deeply depressed,” so he wanted to cover himself up—the tattoos became a symbol of that feeling.
Reasons for Removing Tattoos
Pete says that now that he’s living a clean and refreshed life, his old tattoos serve as a reminder: “Oh yeah, you were a drug addict.”
So, he’s gradually erasing those designs so he doesn’t see the burden of that old identity when he looks in the mirror.
Many of those tattoos were symbols that were decisions made in the past, rather than having any specific meaning.
How long and difficult is the process?
Tattoo removal isn’t a safety check—it’s painful, slow, and expensive.
Pete explained that it takes 10 to 12 sessions to completely remove a tattoo, with a six-week healing period following each session.
A complete tattoo removal process takes about 60 weeks in total.
He had about 200 tattoos, so he estimated the journey could take about 10 years.
He described them as “pretty horrible,” yet he considers them essential for his mind and soul.
Pete Davidson on deciding to remove his tattoos: “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. 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.”
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Why is he speaking publicly?
Pete’s honest words aren’t just about body modification; they also shed light on the journey of mental health and recovery.
When a public figure speaks so openly about their vulnerabilities and changing priorities, it can be an inspiration to others.
For him, tattoo removal isn’t just an external change, but an internal reset.
Final Words
Pete Davidson’s tattoo-removal journey isn’t just comfortable; it’s also meaningful.
It shows how humans try to leave behind their old misconceptions and habits and create a new identity.
If they say it’s better for their minds, perhaps that’s the real reason—to rediscover themselves.