Mr Viral
Pete Davidson’s tattoo-removal photos are a sight to behold.
Seriously, for longtime fans of the comedian who have kept tabs on his career—from Saturday Night Live newbie to certified leading man—the images of Davidson in nothing but his underwear for Reformation’s Valentine’s Day ad campaign are nothing short of shocking.
Courtesy of Reformation
When Davidson first stepped into the spotlight on SNL as a scrawny 20-year-old in 2014, he endeared many with his self-deprecating humor and his harmless stoner vibes. He quickly became one of the most famous members of the cast and landed several outside projects, including King of Staten Island, a semi-autobiographical film directed by Judd Apatow.
At the same time, his love life—which included a number of high-profile girlfriends, like Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, Kate Beckinsale, and Phoebe Dynevor—only boosted his star power. While his fame continued to rise, so did his tattoo count. By 2019, Davidson’s torso, back, arms, legs, hands, and neck were checkered with pieces.
Davidson filming King of Staten Island in 2019
In 2020, however, he began the yearslong process of removing his tattoos. The comedian, now 31, revealed that the painful endeavor has cost him $200,000 so far. Earlier this year, a source told People that Davidson’s decision was spontaneous. “He just woke up one day and wanted them gone,” the source said. Another source told the publication that Davidson is doing well these days: “[He’s] been sober since September [2024], and gained twenty pounds.”
Courtesy of Reformation
While promoting his new film, Dog Man, Davidson opened up about his decision on the Today Show: “I got sober and I saw myself in the mirror and I was like, ‘Nah. Who that?’ I was like, ‘I got to change it up a little bit.’” He added, “[The removal is] pretty terrible, so if anybody out there is watching and thinking about getting a tattoo, make sure you really want to get it.”
Courtesy of Reformation
His Reformation campaign is fans’ first full glimpse of the results of the tattoo-removal process and coincides with the brand’s new video, which declares him the “Official Boyfriend of Reformation.”
However you feel about an inked-up bod, I think we can all get behind a boyfriend who says, “I’m still thinking about that dream you told me the other day.” Pete Davidson’s shirtless tattoo-removal photos are just icing on the cake.
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