Machine Gun Kelly’s New Tattoo Sparks Blackfishing Accusations: Fans React
3 min read
Jason Kempin/Getty Images | IG@machinegunkelly
Machine Gun Kelly’s new tattoo sparks accusations of blackfishing, igniting strong reactions from fans and fueling a broader conversation.
Machine Gun Kelly, the enigmatic rapper known for his bold persona and extensive body art, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. His latest tattoo, a striking blackout design covering his arms, shoulders, and chest, has ignited a firestorm on Twitter, with accusations of blackfishing flying across social media platforms.
The Tattoo Transformation: A Spiritual Journey or Cultural Appropriation?
Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, unveiled his dramatic new tattoo on Instagram, showcasing the intricate blackout inkwork done by celebrity tattoo artist Roxx. The design, described by Baker as “for spiritual purposes only,” covers a significant portion of his body, leaving only the outline of a cross on his chest and traces of his previous colorful tattoos peeking through.
mgk’s new tattoo 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/RE0auLZv4o
— MGK ITALIA 🇮🇹 (@mgk__italia) February 20, 2024
While some fans praised the rapper for his boldness and commitment to self-expression, others expressed disappointment and concern. Many lamented the loss of his iconic tattoos, including tributes to his hometown of Cleveland, while others raised questions about the timing and symbolism of the blackout design, particularly during Black History Month.
Twitter Erupts: Fans Divided Over MGK’s Transformation
The Twitterverse erupted with a flurry of reactions to Machine Gun Kelly’s new tattoo, with fans sharply divided in their opinions. Accusations of blackfishing, a term used to describe the phenomenon of non-black individuals adopting elements of black culture for personal gain or aesthetic appeal, reverberated across the platform.
black fishing during black history month…
— Sam🇵🇸 (@fagsnightmare) February 20, 2024
pic.twitter.com/GMGraHs50E
Amidst the debate, some users criticized the rapper for what they perceived as insensitivity and cultural appropriation, particularly during a month dedicated to celebrating black heritage and resilience. Tweets condemning the move ranged from incredulous (“Blackfishing during Black History Month?”) to outright condemnation (“Bruh wants to be black so bad”).
He wanna be Tyler from twenty one pilots so bad
— Satyam Patel | 𝕏… (@SatyamInsights) February 20, 2024
Netizens Sound Off: Mixed Reviews and Defenses
As the controversy raged on, fans and observers alike weighed in with their perspectives on Machine Gun Kelly’s tattoo transformation. While some lamented the loss of his previous tattoos and questioned his motivations, others defended the rapper’s decision as a symbolic representation of personal growth and evolution.
Pretty sure it’s an artist that does it with ink on the outside of the skin for photos. If its a real tattoo though then yikes 😬
— Synergy Gzl (@FuckGizzles) February 20, 2024
Despite the mixed reviews, Machine Gun Kelly’s latest tattoo has undeniably sparked a broader conversation about identity, representation, and cultural appropriation in the digital age. As fans continue to grapple with the implications of his transformation, the controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in navigating issues of race, heritage, and self-expression in today’s society.
He wanna be Tyler from twenty one pilots so bad
— Satyam Patel | 𝕏… (@SatyamInsights) February 20, 2024
Blackfishing???
— Pop☆💋 (@Popmvsics) February 20, 2024
he wants to be black so bad☠️
— Honest Andrew 🥀 (@andrewscomet) February 20, 2024
Nice tattoo
— ThatCoperateHR (@TcorpHR) February 20, 2024
Everything he does looks amazing! A beautiful piece of art 🔥
— MGK MOB XX (@machinegunkasi) February 20, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
