Pete Davidson’s story has always been one of public growth, but his latest chapter is his most visually powerful yet. The comedian, whose skin was once a canvas documenting his past, is actively erasing it. His decision to undergo the painful process of removing nearly 200 tattoos is more than a style change; it’s a profound metaphor for personal evolution, sobriety, and the conscious act of moving forward from who you used to be.
Davidson has been transparent about the fact that many of his tattoos were impulsive decisions made during a different phase of his life, a period before rehab and sobriety. He has referred to them with affectionate humor as “the dumbest tattoos,” acknowledging they represent a version of himself that he has since outgrown. The choice to remove them is a physical declaration of this internal shift, a way of making space for the person he is becoming.
Pete Davidson’s life in ink: From odes to his exes to tattoos of Winnie of the Pooh and Hillary Clinton https://t.co/sat7fXlajB pic.twitter.com/jhHVOON3Rz
— New York Post (@nypost) March 18, 2022
The impetus for this change was practical—the tattoos became a hindrance in his acting career—but the symbolism runs much deeper. The arduous removal process, which he describes as “horrible,” involves literally burning away layers of skin. It’s a painful and repetitive act of letting go, a physical endurance test that mirrors the emotional work of personal growth. His commitment to seeing it through, despite the cost and discomfort, speaks volumes about his dedication to this new path.
This transformation aligns with a broader theme in Davidson’s life: the pursuit of stability and adulthood. He has spoken about “trying to be an adult,” and this act of refining his external appearance is a tangible step in that direction. It’s about taking control of his narrative, both personally and professionally, and presenting a self that is in alignment with his current values and aspirations.
Pete Davidson debuts new look for Reformation’s Valentine campaign after spending $200k on tattoo removal. pic.twitter.com/Il65OutKY1
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) February 11, 2025
The reveal of his new look in a fashion campaign was a symbolic moment. Presented as the “Official Boyfriend” with a clean, clear torso, the imagery is one of openness and a fresh start. Pete Davidson’s journey reminds us that reinvention is possible for anyone. It often requires us to shed the layers of our past, a process that can be painful, but ultimately leads to a truer, more authentic version of ourselves.
