Pete Davidson spent $200K removing tattoos amid sobriety and career shift

Pete Davidson is undergoing a major transformation, spending $200,000 to remove his tattoos as part of his sobriety journey and career evolution. The Saturday Night Live alum, who has been sober since September, has been undergoing the process for years but is now nearing completion.

A source told PEOPLE that Davidson “just woke up one day and wanted them gone, and it’s been a years-long process.” Another insider added, “Things are really going well for him… everything is moving in the right direction.”

During a recent appearance on Today, Davidson described the removal as “pretty terrible” and warned fans to think twice before getting inked. “Make sure you really want to get it. It’s pretty gone,” he said while showing his fading body art.

The 30-year-old comedian initially began the removal process in 2020, citing his desire to take on more film roles. He previously explained on Late Night with Seth Meyers that covering his tattoos for movies took “three hours” in the makeup chair. “For some reason, people in movies don’t have them that much,” he joked at the time.

Davidson’s latest film, Dog Man, has been receiving positive reviews, and sources say his fresh start—including gaining 20 pounds and embracing a healthier lifestyle—is part of his commitment to long-term stability.