Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pete Davidson's Painful Ink Erasure: A Decade in the Making
Pete Davidson's Painful Ink Erasure: A Decade in the Making
18 Apr
Summary
- Davidson is removing over 200 tattoos, a process expected to take years.
- The extensive tattoo removal has already cost $200,000 and continues.
- He aims to keep only his tattoo of Hillary Clinton.
Pete Davidson is currently engaged in a lengthy and arduous process to remove over 200 tattoos from his body. This extensive effort, which began in 2020, is estimated to take many years to complete.
As of April 18, 2026, Davidson has already invested $200,000 into the removal and anticipates a considerable amount more is needed. He recently showcased progress at CinemaCon, with tattoos on his arms, hands, and neck largely gone.
The actor has described the laser removal sessions as extremely painful, comparing the sensation to burning skin. Each tattoo requires numerous jolts of laser to break down pigment, compounded by six-week healing periods between sessions, making the overall timeline very extended.
Davidson shared in 2025 that the process could take another decade. He has stated his goal is to be free of visible ink, a step he views as crucial for his sobriety and self-perception. He noted that he no longer wants reminders of past struggles, such as a SpongeBob tattoo referencing his addiction.
Of the numerous tattoos slated for removal, Davidson intends to keep a portrait of Hillary Clinton on his right leg, expressing his admiration for her. He humorously recalled getting the tattoo after her 2016 presidential election loss, aiming to offer some personal encouragement.
