The new romance of controversial Australian YouTube personality Spanian has taken a permanent turn, sparking a fierce online debate. His 22-year-old girlfriend, Ava Jean Walker, has had his name tattooed on her left arm, an act witnessed and shared by the 37-year-old reformed criminal.
A Permanent Declaration Sparks Debate
Spanian, whose real name is Anthony Lees, uploaded a now-expired Snapchat video last week showing Ms Walker preparing for the ink. The tattoo was later seemingly confirmed in photos he posted to Instagram on Sunday, which showed the couple enjoying a day out at Sydney's Luna Park with his son. Eagle-eyed followers spotted the fresh body art as she ate a burger and potato wedges.
When pictures of the tattoo parlour visit circulated on Reddit, fans were left sharply divided. Many questioned the wisdom of such a permanent gesture so early in a relationship, given it has been less than three months since Spanian debuted his romance with Ms Walker following his split from Angela McColl – his wife and the mother of his two sons.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The couple, who have enjoyed luxury holidays to Dubai and Paris since getting together, faced scepticism online. 'Oh Jesus, this is not going to end well,' one person wrote. Another commented, 'That’s pretty much the kiss of death. Which is why most tattooists will recommend you don’t do it.' A third added a blunt warning: 'What happens when he ditches her? She'll be branded for life.'
Others, however, defended Ms Walker's choice. 'She’s a grown adult. I’m pretty sure she has a choice,' one supporter wrote. A second noted, 'Tattoos aren't permanent, really though. Just go over it or laser it,' while others simply wished the pair well.
From Eshay to Influencer: Spanian's Turbulent Past
Spanian hard-launched this relationship in late October with a cosy Snapchat against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This came just weeks after his two-year marriage to Ms McColl ended, shortly after she gave birth to their second son. He later stated they had simply changed and 'fallen out of love'.
The influencer, once the poster boy for the 'eshay' subculture, has a serious criminal past. He served over 12 years in prison for convictions including armed robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and operating a drug-dealing criminal group. Since his last release in 2017, he has rebuilt his life, launching the popular 'Into the Hood' YouTube series where he visits crime-ridden areas globally, marketing himself as a reformed ex-criminal and earning a fortune in the process.
When approached about his new life in November, Spanian spoke in cryptic, alliterative riddles, describing it as 'magical, majestic, madness'. The latest chapter, now literally etched on his girlfriend's skin, continues to fuel his controversial and headline-grabbing narrative.
