Pete Davidson, the former star of *Saturday Night Live*, has confirmed that he will retain specific tattoos dedicated to his parents while undergoing a significant removal process. The comedian, known for his candid discussions about life and personal struggles, has initiated a lengthy journey to erase over 200 tattoos from his body, beginning this process in 2020.
Among the designs he intends to keep are tributes inspired by the acclaimed television series *The Sopranos*, and two heartfelt tattoos honoring his mother, Amy Waters Davidson, and his late father, Scott Davidson, a firefighter who tragically lost his life during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Davidson shared his thoughts with Entertainment Tonight, stating, “I got all these tattoos, so my mom was like, ‘How come you’ve never gotten a “Mom” tattoo?’ Now I have a tattoo that just says ‘MOMTATTOO.’ That one has to stay… I have my dad’s ID [number], and that’s pretty much it.”
As he prepares for the arrival of his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, Davidson is not only focused on his family but also on the physical and emotional implications of his tattoos. He has described the removal process as painful, aiming to serve as a cautionary tale for younger family members. “It’s awful. I’ve been filming it and showing all the younger people in my family to be like, ‘If you don’t like it, this is what you have to do,’” he explained. Despite the discomfort, Davidson remains optimistic about the changes he is making in his life.
The 31-year-old comedian highlighted that his decision to remove tattoos is part of a broader effort to embrace a fresh start after battling addiction. Speaking to *Variety*, he reflected on past struggles, stating, “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. So I’m just removing them and starting fresh, because that’s what I think works best for me and for my brain.”
As of now, Davidson has reportedly spent over $200,000 on the tattoo removal process, yet he acknowledges that he is only about 30 percent finished. “It’s a pretty uncomfortable amount of money to disclose, but I think one of the tabloids already leaked it. I’ve already spent like 200k and I’m like 30 per cent done. So, like, it’s gonna suck,” he remarked. He has successfully removed tattoos from his arms, hands, and neck, but still has work to do on his torso and back.
This journey not only marks a physical transformation for Davidson but also represents a significant emotional evolution as he reshapes his identity and reflects on his past. As he prepares for fatherhood, the comedian looks forward to a new chapter in his life, one where he can embrace his family and the memories that matter most.