In the world of tattoo artists, Kat Von D stands out as one of the most recognizable figures in the industry
However, with the year of controversy Kat’s had, it’s easy to forget what made the 37-year-old famous in the first place.
In May, controversy erupted when Kat Von D made a controversial Instagram post that led fans to believe she was hinting at being anti-vaccination.
Back in May, accusations began to fly after Kat made a questionable Instagram post in which fans felt she was alluding to being anti-vax.
At the same time, Kat was also facing backlash from fans who believed that she was anti-Semitic after a signed 8×10 head shot of hers with racial slurs resurfaced online.
In response to the accusations, the tattoo artist released a video to clarify that she neither identified as a Nazi nor as an anti-vaxxer.
She started off by explaining that during her “Miami Ink” days, she was being hazed by a male co-star, who was threatened by her success.
Not only did he assault her, but he also forged her signature on the racist 8×10 photo.
She claimed he then brought it to the media’s attention because she was getting her own spinoff show, “L.A Ink.”
Additionally, she asserted that the accusations were “extremely offensive and deeply hurtful.”
She then addressed the accusations that she was an anti-vaxxer.
“I am not an anti-vaxxer. What I am is a first-time mother,” she stated.
“I read everything, from ingredients in food to cleaning supplies and medicines.”
“After conducting extensive research and reviewing the ingredients, naturally, I felt hesitant,” she added.
She said that if she had known that so many people would have been let down with her initial statement, she never would have shared it.
She explains that since then, she has chosen to consult with a pediatrician and heed their guidance.
Since then, Kat has tried to focus on her cosmetics line and her one-year-old son, Leafar.
And, of course, tattoos remain a significant part of her life. Recently, Kat shared her new blackout-style tattoo with her 7 million Instagram followers.
A blackout style tattoo refers to large portions of skin being filled in with black ink.
In a comment that has since been deleted, Kat mentioned that she opted for the blackout style to cover up some old “crappy” tattoos.
“Having it all blacked out so beautifully looks so clean and smooth and I love that!” she said.
“PS. it’s all good if you don’t like my tattoo, because I do!” she clarified with her fans.
Despite saying she didn’t mind the criticism, Kat had to make a second Insta post to address the hate she was getting for her blackout tattoo.
“Having been in the tattoo industry for the greater part of my life, I’ve seen countless tattoos of all types of styles — but NEVER have I felt inspired to tell anyone ‘that’s ugly’ or ‘you’re stupid.’ Tattoos are funny in the sense that ultimately it is one of the most intimately personal things we can do for ourselves,” she began.
“But even though tattoos are an outward expression, they really aren’t for anyone else other than the person wearing it.”
She continued, “With that being said, I do love sharing and giving the world a window into aspects of my life — especially when it involves something or someone that inspires me. However, just because I choose to share my experiences, it shouldn’t be an invitation for such negativity.”
“So, to respond to a lot of the noise that clogged up my comment section in my last post:
•No, it doesn’t matter that you don’t like the way my arm looks. To each their own.
•No, this isn’t bad for my health [but thank you for caring!] When done correctly, tattoos don’t penetrate past the second dermis layer of skin. During the healing process, our skin naturally filters out any excess pigment through our pores. And no, there are no lead, plastics, or toxins in the professional-grade tattoo pigments that we use. Nowadays, you can even find vegan-friendly pigments that work just as well, too.
•No, this isn’t a lazy attempt at a coverup. It actually takes an extremely skilled artist who specializes in blacking out tattoos.
•Before you label something ‘ugly’ or ‘horrible,’ try to remember that beauty is subjective. Your idea of a dream tattoo might be someone else’s idea of a nightmare.”
What do you think of Kat’s blackout tattoo?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
