Pete Davidson recently opened up about regretting a tattoo he got that featured a quote from his idol, Dave Chappelle. The comedian shared the story on the show Hot Ones, revealing that he got the tattoo after meeting Chappelle early in his career, but now finds it humiliating and is having it removed.
The Origin of the Tattoo and Meeting Dave Chappelle
When Davidson was around 19 or 20 years old, he was performing stand-up at the Knitting Factory comedy club, where Hannibal Buress was running shows. Dave Chappelle was in the audience despite being on his hiatus from comedy. After Davidson’s set, Chappelle approached him and praised his performance, telling him, “Jokes come and go, but swag is forever.” Inspired by this advice, Davidson tattooed that quote on his chest as a tribute to his idol.
This moment was significant to Davidson because he admired Chappelle greatly, seeing him as a mentor figure. It also came at a time when Davidson was struggling with addiction and feeling insecure about himself, which influenced his decision to cover his body with tattoos.
Let’s explore why Davidson now regrets this tattoo and how it reflects his personal growth.
Why Pete Davidson Regrets the Tattoo
Davidson admitted in his interview that the tattoo is “horrible” and “humiliating,” and he’s begun having it covered up. He explained that when he looks at his old tattoos, including the Chappelle quote, it reminds him of a “sad person” who was insecure and trying to cover up feelings of ugliness. Having been a drug addict at the time, Davidson sees his past tattoos as a record of a troubled mindset.
He emphasized that there is nothing wrong with tattoos themselves, but for him, removing or covering up certain tattoos represents starting fresh and moving past a difficult period in his life. This marks a turning point where Davidson prioritizes mental health and self-acceptance over past impulses.
The next section will dive into Davidson’s wider views on tattoos and why he’s removing many of them.
Davidson’s Broader Tattoo Regrets and Removal Journey
Davidson once had around 200 tattoos, including some quirky ones like a Hillary Clinton portrait, but he has been steadily removing them over the years. He’s been open about how his perception of tattoos has evolved. Where he once used tattoos to hide pain and insecurity, he now sees removing some ink as a way to reclaim his body and self-image.
Despite regretting many of his tattoos, Davidson doesn’t shy away from sharing the stories behind them, giving fans insight into his personal struggles and growth.
Wondering what this means for his celebrity persona? Let’s take a look at how this tattoo regret connects to his public image and career.
Tattoo Regrets Impacting Davidson’s Public Persona
This tattoo story humanizes Davidson, showing a vulnerable side to the often lighthearted and candid comedian. It reminds fans that even celebrities make choices they later wish to change and that personal growth often involves re-examining the past.
Davidson’s openness about his regrets and current tattoo removal may help de-stigmatize discussions around mental health and self-expression, particularly in high-pressure public careers.
Finally, we’ll consider Davidson’s relationship with Chappelle today and how he balances admiration with moving forward.
Relationship with Dave Chappelle and Moving Forward
Despite regretting the tattoo, Davidson still holds Dave Chappelle in high regard, calling him his idol then and now. The regret is not about Chappelle or the advice itself but about how that tattoo represented a difficult chapter in Davidson’s life.
His decision to remove the tattoo reflects personal boundaries rather than a change in admiration, showing maturity in separating the person from the symbolic mark.
Next, we’ll explore what tattoo removal means for Davidson’s future style and public image.
What Tattoo Removal Means for Pete Davidson’s Future
Removing the quote tattoo—as well as others—signals a fresh start for Davidson both physically and mentally. He’s redefining his identity beyond the ink he once used as emotional armor.
As he approaches fatherhood, this shedding of old skin could reflect a new chapter focused on stability, growth, and health. Fans can expect a more grounded Davidson who still embraces self-expression but with greater intention and self-awareness.
This journey from idolizing Chappelle to regretfully relinquishing the tattoo offers a deep look at Davidson’s evolving self and career.