Tattoo parlour offers to cover up racist ink free of charge

The owners have been overwhelmed by the response to the offer
Most tattoo parlours have been closed during the coronavirus pandemic
Getty Images
Imogen Braddick16 June 2020

A tattoo parlour in the United States is offering to cover up racist ink free of charge to help people on the path to "becoming a better person".

The Gallery X Art Collective in Murray, southern Kentucky, announced the offer on Facebook, adding that the only condition is that the tattoo artists get to cover up the old ink with a design of their choosing.

A Facebook post said: "If you have a racist tattoo and you want it gone, I'll cover it for free. No questions asked. I choose the design. Let's get that sh*t off your body.

"This goes for you that have gang tattoos as well. Gallery X Art Collective would like to extend the offer to change your future in becoming a better person.

"If it is hate related, in any way, we will schedule you a day to come get it cover up for free, at the artists choosing.

"There will be options for ideas but all designs and ideas will be up to Jeremiah, or Ryun King which ever one is doing your tattoo."

It comes as thousands of people have taken part in Black Lives Matter demonstrations around the world in recent weeks, taking a stand against police brutality and calling for an end to racial injustice.

The studio has been overwhelmed by responses to the offer
PA

"We have plenty of predawn designs and flash books," the Facebook post said.

"So if you feel it's time to change your hate, or have been reformed but been too broke to cover your mistake of a tattoo, come see me you'll get a class tattoo for free that can start your path to being the person you were meant to be."

It seems people are keen to erase their mistakes as more than 500 people have contacted the studio about the offer, according to owner Jay Harvill.

Speaking to ABC News, he said: "The response has been a little overwhelming for the artists. They are reviewing each one and they really want to help everyone that truly wants to cover up and right the wrongs from past mistakes.

"My artist feels that offering this service is the best way they can help and give back to our community. To help spread the messages of positivity, equality and to just love each other."

Mr Harvill said his tattoo artists have "huge hearts" and they want the studio "to be a safe, judgement-free environment for everyone".

Social media users praised the tattoo parlour for the "incredible" gesture.

One said: "Absolutely love this...you have a lifelong client because of gestures like this."

Another wrote: "This is incredible. God bless your heart. This is coming from a US Army veteran who dealt with a lot of racism throughout my almost seven years in service."

A third said: "I’m sitting here crying over this.. this is literally life-changing and one of the kindest gestures I’ve ever seen."

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