An Arizona tattoo artist, Sosa, co-owner of Black Onyx Empire Tattoo in Yuma, has come under fire for tattooing a 9-year-old girl. The child initially requested a portrait of US President Donald Trump on her neck, but Sosa persuaded the family to choose an American flag tattoo on her arm instead.
Under Arizona law, minors can get tattoos with parental consent. Despite his reservations, Sosa agreed to the tattoo, explaining that his decision was driven by concern for the girl’s safety. He reasoned that in a sterile and controlled environment, the procedure would be safer than seeking a potentially unregulated artist.
Family’s Background and Artist’s Perspective
The family, refugees from Turkey, viewed the tattoo as a cultural symbol of their gratitude to America. Sosa shared that their story moved him, but he clarified that he doesn’t support tattoos for children and believes the law should impose stricter age restrictions.
Reflecting on the incident, Sosa admitted, “Would I do it again? Probably not. I think there should be laws preventing minors from getting tattoos.” He also emphasised that this was the first and last time he tattooed a child, noting that none of his own three children, aged 4 to 12, have tattoos.
Social Media Backlash and Industry Concerns
After sharing the story online, Sosa faced significant backlash, including threats and hateful comments. Critics accused him of compromising ethical standards, with some calling for child services to be involved. Many in the tattoo industry also expressed disapproval, arguing that such actions damage the profession’s reputation.
Ben Shaw from the Alliance of Professional Tattooists criticised the lack of regulations in Arizona, calling it a major problem for the field. “If a 10-year-old gets a professional tattoo, it degrades our industry,” Shaw noted.
Amid the controversy, Sosa proposed the creation of stricter tattoo regulations, which he dubbed the “Sosa Law.” Despite the intense criticism, he maintains that his actions were intended to protect the child. “It wasn’t ideal, but I believed I was preventing something worse,” Sosa stated.
The incident has reignited debates over tattoo laws for minors and highlighted the need for consistent regulations across states to ensure the safety and professionalism of the practice.
