A 32-year-old tattoo artist from Newcastle, New South Wales, has spoken out about the weekly abuse she receives from older Australians over her tattoos while out running. Maddi Darcey, who runs four times a week, says strangers often make snide comments about her body art, with older men on push bikes being the most frequent offenders.
Since moving from Sydney to Newcastle in January 2025, Darcey says she has experienced negative remarks several times a week. 'I'll get comments like "oh you're disgusting" and "look what you've done to yourself",' she told Daily Mail. She noted that she never encountered such abuse while living in Sydney.
One incident that prompted her to speak out involved a woman wearing a Newcastle Cycleways Movement (NCM) vest who called her 'disgusting'. Darcey confronted the woman, asking her to repeat herself. NCM president Neville Jones later distanced the organisation from the individual, offering Darcey his support.
In another incident at a local Aldi, an older man called her a 'f***ing bi***' and a 'disgusting human'. Darcey said she usually handles the comments well but broke down in tears after two incidents occurred within five minutes. 'I've had enough, and calling it out matters. If we just ignore it, they think it's acceptable,' she said.
Darcey hopes highlighting the abuse will encourage people to think twice before making hurtful remarks about others' appearances.
