Pete Davidson has taken significant steps to remove the majority of his tattoos, a choice he reflects on with honesty and clarity. Speaking in 2024, Davidson revealed that his changing identity and past decisions motivated this process, which connects closely to the topic of Pete Davidson tattoo removal.
At 31 years old, Davidson explained that many of his tattoos remind him of mistakes made in his younger years.
“It’s a lot, and it’s super worth it for me because I don’t like my tattoos, and I am a different person than I was when I got them,”
he said.
“When I see myself in the mirror, I just see like, you know, poor decision making and I wasn’t there yet as an adult.”
Why Some Tattoos Remain and His View on Ink
Despite removing much of his body art, Davidson doesn’t reject tattoos outright. He acknowledged the artistic value others find in tattoos while distinguishing his own choices as less meaningful.
“I know people who have f***ing really cool ones,”
he said.
“It’s just, mine are literally stupid, except for like five of them that I’m keeping.”
Among the tattoos he plans to keep is a tribute to Hillary Clinton, which he has on his leg. This piece stands as a personal symbol amid the many other designs he’s chosen to remove.
The Long and Costly Procedure Behind Tattoo Removal
Davidson first publicly disclosed his intention to undergo tattoo removal in 2021, describing the process as difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. As of now, he estimates the effort is about 30 percent complete and has cost close to $200,000.
“It’s a long game. Anyone who’s interested in doing it, just know that it’s gonna take a long time,”
Davidson cautioned.
“That’s a hard thing, especially for a guy like me who does comedy. Comedy is instant gratification, right? You tell a joke [and know] if it’s funny right away. But if you wanna do it, it’s really worth it. And my arms are almost fully clear, and I can wear a T-shirt. It’s nice.”
Changes in Public Perception and Personal Growth
When asked if becoming less tattooed has altered how people treat him, Davidson admitted there has been little noticeable change in public interactions. However, he linked his growing confidence and presence to dedicated work on his mental health rather than changes in appearance.
“I’ve been working on myself personally and my mental health, and I think it’s showing,”
he said.
“You can see it, and people are seeing that. So the overall kind of vibe has been really positive lately.”
Looking Ahead: Fatherhood and New Ventures
Davidson is currently expecting his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, a milestone that brings both excitement and reflection. He shared with a smile,
“I’m just really grateful after a decade of a s*** show. I’m really, really grateful, but also remember how it could go. So I’m taking it with a grain of salt, but I appreciate it.”
Alongside preparing for fatherhood, Davidson is partnering with Amazon to promote the launch of Alexa+. This new version of the virtual assistant boasts improved conversational abilities, appealing to the comedian who values quick and reliable information.
“It’s reliable and we’re in a world — especially today — where everything moves very fast, and it’s just kind of nice to have something that’s always there that you could rely on,”
Davidson explained.
He described how Alexa helps him stay informed without the need for social media or phone time.
“I don’t have social media, so I always ask it, ‘What’s the biggest story that I need to know?’ Like, actually though. … I love being able to be like, ‘What’s the weather? What movie is hot right now?’ Or just s*** that I don’t have to go be on the phone for. It’s just been nice.”
Davidson also joked about seeking emotional reassurance from Alexa, stating,
“I’m like, ‘Is everything gonna be OK?’ And she’s like, ‘Oh yes, everything will be fine.’ It’s nice if you’re a person who needs reassurance and is insecure, because if there’s stuff you don’t want to ask your friends or your partner, you could just ask Alexa.”
Significance of Tattoo Removal and Personal Transformation
Pete Davidson’s journey through tattoo removal represents more than just altering his physical appearance; it reflects his evolving sense of self and desire to leave behind youthful mistakes. The intense time and financial commitment involved underscore how meaningful this change is for him.
As Davidson steps into fatherhood and new creative collaborations, this period marks a hopeful and determined chapter in his life. His efforts to improve mental health and redefine his image may influence others considering their own personal transformations, demonstrating that growth often requires confronting the past and investing in change.
