The new romance of reformed criminal turned YouTube personality Spanian has sparked controversy after his much younger girlfriend permanently inked his name on her arm.
A Permanent Declaration of Love
Spanian, whose real name is Anthony Lees, is 37 years old. Last week, he uploaded a since-expired Snapchat video showing his 22-year-old girlfriend, Ava Jean Walker, preparing to get his name tattooed on her left arm as he watched on. The tattoo was later seemingly confirmed in photos the couple shared on Instagram this Sunday, enjoying a day out at Sydney's Luna Park with his son.
Eagle-eyed followers spotted the fresh ink on Ms Walker's arm as she ate a burger. The images from the tattoo parlour session were shared on Reddit, where fans and critics were left deeply divided over the gesture, given the relationship is less than three months old.
Public Reaction: From Cringe to Support
The couple's whirlwind romance began in late October when Spanian 'hard-launched' their relationship with a cosy Snapchat against the Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop. This came just weeks after his split from Angela McColl, his wife of two years and mother of his two sons, with their second child born only months prior.
Since getting together, Spanian and Ava have enjoyed luxury holidays in Dubai and Paris. However, the new tattoo prompted many to question the speed of their commitment. "Oh Jesus, this is not going to end well," one person wrote online. Another commented, "That’s pretty much the kiss of death. Which is why most tattooists will recommend you don’t do it." A third warned, "What happens when he ditches her? She'll be branded for life."
Others defended Ava's choice, stating she was a grown adult making her own decisions, and noted tattoos could be altered or removed. Some simply wished the pair well in their new relationship.
From Eshay to Influencer: Spanian's Past
Spanian was once a prominent figure in Sydney's 'eshay' subculture, associated with tracksuits and street credibility. He has served more than 12 years in prison total for convictions including armed robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and operating a criminal drug group.
After his last release in 2017, he reinvented himself as a content creator. His YouTube series 'Into the Hood', where he visits dangerous areas globally, marketed him as a reformed ex-criminal and built him a substantial fortune. When asked about his new life in November, he described it in alliterative riddles as "magical, majestic, madness".
The tattoo saga continues to fuel discussion about the nature of modern celebrity relationships and the very permanent symbols they sometimes leave behind.
