Pete Davidson Reflects on Tattoo Regrets and Plans for a Fresh Start Ahead of Fatherhood

Pete Davidson, the 31-year-old comedian and actor, has become as well-known for his extensive tattoo collection as for his sharp wit and candid humor.
However, in recent months, Davidson has been on a determined mission to erase much of the ink that once defined him, revealing a complex relationship with his body art and the periods of his life it represents.

The Tattoo That Stands Out as His Biggest Regret

During a revealing interview on the popular show Hot Ones on July 28, where guests face increasingly spicy chicken wings while discussing their careers with host Sean Evans, Davidson opened up about the tattoo he most regrets.
This particular tattoo, prominently inked on his chest, was inspired by a memorable encounter with legendary comedian Dave Chappelle.

Davidson recounted how, at around 19 or 20 years old, he performed a comedy set at a club — possibly the Knitting Factory, run at the time by Hannibal Buress.
Although he had not yet made his debut on Saturday Night Live (SNL), the set included a special audience member: Dave Chappelle himself.

Chappelle, who was in his own career wilderness period following his controversial departure from Chappelle’s Show in 2005, watched Davidson’s set and later complimented him, saying, “I watched your whole set. It was really good.”

Seizing the opportunity, Davidson asked the veteran comedian for advice on how to keep coming up with new material.
Chappelle’s reply was simple but stuck with Davidson: “Jokes come and go, but swag is forever.”

Inspired by this phrase, Davidson decided to tattoo it high on his chest, just above one of his nipples.
However, in a move he now considers a mistake, he did not credit Chappelle for the quote.

The Unintended Consequences of an Uncredited Tattoo

Because the tattoo lacked attribution, many who saw it assumed Davidson had coined the phrase himself.
This misunderstanding made Davidson uncomfortable, as he admitted during the interview: “I could have just told people he said that to me, but I didn’t put ‘- Chappelle.’”

His solution to this awkwardness was drastic: he covered the phrase with a giant tattoo of a shark inspired by the iconic Great White from Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws.

Davidson explained, “I just put a giant shark over it.”
This act of covering up the tattoo became symbolic of his broader regrets about many of his tattoos, especially those linked to past relationships and phases of his life he now wants to move beyond.

Tattoos from Past Relationships: The Kim Kardashian Ink

Among the tattoos Davidson now finds embarrassing are several related to his brief but highly publicized romance with reality star Kim Kardashian.
These included a tattoo above his clavicle that read “My girlfriend is a lawyer,” as well as her name inked on his chest.

Additionally, he had a tattoo depicting Disney’s Aladdin with Jasmine, referencing a Saturday Night Live sketch they starred in together, which helped spark their relationship.

These tattoos, once symbols of affection and moments in his life, have become reminders of chapters he wishes to close as he prepares for a new phase.

The Painful and Costly Tattoo Removal Journey

Davidson’s commitment to removing his tattoos began publicly in 2021 when he revealed that the process was time-consuming and painful.
He noted that extensive makeup was required to cover his tattoos during filming, which motivated him to start erasing them to save time and effort.

Since then, Davidson has undergone numerous laser tattoo removal sessions, describing the experience as “horrible” and likening it to “putting your arm on a grill and burning off a layer.”
The process is not only physically painful but also financially demanding.

Reports indicate that by early 2025, Davidson had spent at least $200,000 on tattoo removal treatments.
Despite the cost and discomfort, he remains determined to clear his skin, hoping to have all the tattoos removed by the time he turns 40.

A Reflection on the Past: Tattoos as a Symbol of Struggle

In a candid interview with Variety in April 2025, Davidson reflected on why he covered his body with tattoos in the first place.
He revealed that during a period of drug addiction and emotional turmoil, he felt “ugly” and believed he needed to be “covered up.”

“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,” he said.
This raw admission sheds light on the deeper psychological reasons behind his tattoo choices, which went beyond mere aesthetics or fandom.

Davidson’s tattoos were, in many ways, a physical manifestation of his inner struggles and a form of self-expression during a turbulent time.
Now, as he seeks a fresh start, removing the tattoos represents a symbolic shedding of his past and a step toward healing.

The Practicality of Tattoo Removal for an Actor

Beyond the personal reasons, Davidson has also emphasized the practical benefits of tattoo removal for his acting career.
He explained to Seth Meyers in 2021 that the extensive makeup required to conceal his tattoos for film and television roles was cumbersome.

“You have to get there three hours earlier to cover all your tattoos, because for some reason, people in movies, they don’t have them that much,” he said.
Removing the tattoos would save him time and streamline his work process, allowing him to focus more on his craft.

Preparing for Fatherhood: A New Chapter

Davidson’s tattoo removal journey coincides with an exciting new chapter in his personal life.
He and his girlfriend, English-born model and actress Elsie Hewitt, recently announced they are expecting their first child together.

Elsie shared the news with an Instagram post featuring Davidson tenderly caressing her baby bump alongside a sonogram image.
This milestone marks a significant turning point for Davidson, who is eager to embrace fatherhood and the responsibilities it brings.

The prospect of becoming a parent has further motivated Davidson to seek a fresh start, both physically and emotionally.
Removing tattoos that represent past struggles and relationships aligns with his desire to present a new version of himself for his child and family.

The Emotional Weight of Tattoo Removal

While tattoo removal is often viewed as a cosmetic choice, for Davidson it carries profound emotional significance.
Each tattoo represents a piece of his history, including difficult periods marked by addiction, heartbreak, and personal pain.

By choosing to remove these permanent marks, Davidson is not erasing his past but rather reclaiming control over his narrative.
It is an act of self-care and renewal, signaling growth and the hope for a healthier future.

Public Perception and Celebrity Vulnerability

Davidson’s openness about his tattoo regrets and removal process offers fans a glimpse into the vulnerabilities behind his public persona.
In an industry where image is carefully curated, his willingness to discuss imperfections and past mistakes resonates deeply with many.

His story challenges the notion that tattoos are merely decorative, highlighting their complex role in identity, coping mechanisms, and personal history.

The Long Road Ahead

Tattoo removal is a lengthy process, often requiring multiple sessions over several years.
Davidson has acknowledged that it could take up to a decade to remove all of his tattoos completely.

Despite this, he remains committed to the journey, balancing the physical pain and financial cost with the long-term benefits of starting anew.

Lessons from Pete Davidson’s Journey

Davidson’s experience offers valuable insights into the intersection of mental health, self-expression, and the desire for transformation.
His tattoos were once a shield and a statement, but they also became sources of regret and reminders of difficult times.

His decision to remove them reflects a broader theme of growth — recognizing past mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward with intention.

As Pete Davidson prepares to welcome his first child and continues his journey of tattoo removal, he embodies the courage it takes to confront one’s past and embrace change.
His story is a powerful reminder that personal transformation is possible, even when it requires facing painful memories and enduring physical discomfort.

Davidson’s candid reflections and determination to start fresh inspire others who may be grappling with their own histories and identities.
Through vulnerability and honesty, he continues to connect with fans and carve out a path toward healing and renewal.

In the end, Pete Davidson’s evolving relationship with his tattoos mirrors his life’s journey — marked by struggle, resilience, and the hopeful promise of new beginnings.