Pete Davidson has spent $200,000 (£148,858) on laser tattoo removal since 2020 and is now almost ink-free, but he describes the process as 'brutal.'
The comedian, now 32, began getting tattoos at 17, starting with a leg tattoo reading 'Swerve Life,' inspired by Kanye West's 2012 track 'Mercy.' Over the years, he added a large shark on his chest, his surname on his ribs, and Winnie the Pooh holding a balloon, among others.
Davidson also got tattoos related to his brief relationship with Kim Kardashian between 2021 and 2022, including 'My girl is a lawyer,' a chest branding, and Aladdin and Jasmine with an infinity symbol to commemorate their first kiss on Saturday Night Live.
Removal Process Details
Speaking at the How To Rob a Bank premiere in New York City on Tuesday, Davidson told E! News that the removal process is 'brutal,' joking, 'You don't know what's going on under there,' referring to the skin's healing stages between procedures. He added that he has only worn jumpers for the last six months.
This is not the first time Davidson has discussed his tattoo removal. In 2025, he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he said he was 'trying to clean-slate it' and described his tattoos as 'almost gone.' He explained that laser removal is 'worse' than getting inked in the first place.
Healing and Recovery
Davidson detailed the process, saying, 'They burn off a layer of your skin, then it has to heal for six to eight weeks.' He also noted that 'you can't get in the sunlight' and that the procedure needs to be repeated 'like 12 more times.'
During the removal period, Davidson has added a few new tattoos, most notably a tribute to his daughter Scottie, born in December 2025 with then-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt.
The experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering tattoos, highlighting the importance of being certain about design and placement before committing.
