The Viral Truth: Did LaMelo Ball Really Get A 'Hawk Tuah' Tattoo? (Fact Check 2025)

The internet was set ablaze recently, with a viral photo circulating across social media platforms that seemed to show NBA star LaMelo Ball sporting a shocking new face tattoo: a tribute to the infamous “Hawk Tuah” viral meme. As of this December 2025 update, the rumor has spiraled into one of the most talked-about celebrity tattoo controversies of the year, forcing fans and fact-checkers alike to question the authenticity of the audacious ink.

This article dives deep into the heart of the controversy, dissecting the "Hawk Tuah" meme, verifying the truth behind the alleged tattoo, and providing an up-to-date look at the Charlotte Hornets guard’s actual, expansive collection of new body art from the 2024 offseason, which is a massive story in itself.

LaMelo Ball: Biography and Career Highlights

LaMelo LaFrance Ball is one of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) most electrifying and influential young stars, known for his flashy play and equally bold personal style.

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• Full Name: LaMelo LaFrance Ball
• Born: August 22, 2001 (Age 24 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Chino Hills, California
• Current Team: Charlotte Hornets (Drafted 3rd overall in 2020)
• Position: Point Guard
• NBA Career Highlights:
  • NBA Rookie of the Year (2021)
  • NBA All-Star (2022)
  • All-Rookie First Team (2021)
• Notable Stats (Career Averages): Approximately 20.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game.
• Brand: Known for his signature Puma shoes and his own lifestyle brand, LaFrance.

Ball’s career has been defined by high expectations, impressive court vision, and a flair for the dramatic, both on and off the court. His willingness to express himself through fashion and extensive body art has made him a constant subject of media attention, which is why the "Hawk Tuah" rumor gained such immediate traction.

The 'Hawk Tuah' Meme and Its Controversial Meaning

To understand the gravity of the alleged tattoo, one must first grasp the origin and meaning of the "Hawk Tuah" phenomenon.

What is the Hawk Tuah Meme?

The "Hawk Tuah" meme exploded onto the internet in the summer of 2024, originating from a viral street interview in Nashville, Tennessee.

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• Origin: The phrase was coined by Haliey Welch, who, when asked about her dating philosophy, gave a highly animated and explicit answer.
• Meaning: "Hawk Tuah" is an onomatopoeia—a sound word—that imitates the act of spitting or expectoration. The full, explicit context of the quote, which involved spitting before a sexual act, is what made the clip go instantly viral and cemented its place in internet culture.
• Cultural Impact: The phrase quickly became a polarizing piece of slang, spawning thousands of memes, merchandise, and parodies, making Haliey Welch—the "Hawk Tuah Girl"—an overnight celebrity.

The idea of an NBA star, who already has a history of controversial tattoos, permanently inking a reference to such an explicit and polarizing meme on his face was the perfect storm for a viral sensation.

Fact Check: Is LaMelo Ball's 'Hawk Tuah' Tattoo Real?

The short and definitive answer to the question that broke the internet is: No, LaMelo Ball did not get a "Hawk Tuah" face tattoo. The image is a hoax.

The viral picture, which showed what appeared to be a portrait of the "Hawk Tuah Girl" near LaMelo Ball’s ear, was a digitally manipulated image.

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• The Hoax: The image was a skillful piece of photo editing, likely created to capitalize on the simultaneous popularity of the Hawk Tuah meme and LaMelo Ball’s well-known affinity for body art.
• LaMelo’s Response: The NBA star himself addressed the widespread rumor, clarifying that the information was false. When asked about the alleged tattoo, Ball reportedly stated, "He never heard that come from me. The source is not from me. It's false info."
• The Real Tattoo: The area below LaMelo’s left ear actually features a small, red 'LF' tattoo. These initials stand for LaFrance, his middle name and the name of his personal lifestyle brand, which has been the subject of a *real* NBA controversy in the past for violating rules against commercial logos.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly misinformation and sophisticated photo manipulation can spread in the digital age, especially when it involves a high-profile celebrity and a provocative viral trend. The "Hawk Tuah" tattoo was a purely digital creation.

LaMelo Ball’s Real Offseason Ink: A Massive Body Art Project

While the "Hawk Tuah" face tattoo was fake, LaMelo Ball did spend the 2024 offseason undergoing a massive expansion of his *actual* body art, adding significant depth and symbolism to his collection. This real tattoo project is far more interesting than the hoax.

The Charlotte Hornets star significantly expanded his body art, undertaking a project so large it reportedly took five different artists working simultaneously to complete his vision.

The Scope of the New Tattoos

The 2024 offseason ink was not a small piece; it was an expansive collection covering his chest, arms, and torso, filled with personal meaning and intricate designs.

• Full Upper Body Coverage: The new tattoos connect many of his existing pieces, creating a vast tapestry of ink across his upper body.
• Symbolism and Personal Mantras: Like many of his previous tattoos, the new pieces are filled with personal symbolism, reflecting his journey, family, and philosophy. His body art frequently includes religious references, tributes to his family (including his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo), and motivational phrases.
• The Back Piece: The project included a major back piece, which is often the centerpiece of a full-body tattoo collection.
• Artist Collaboration: The fact that the project required a team of five artists, including celebrity tattoo artist Herchell Carrasco, underscores the complexity and sheer scale of the work.

This commitment to his personal expression through body art is a key part of LaMelo Ball's identity. From his "LF" neck tattoo to his full-sleeve work, his ink tells a story that is constantly evolving, reflecting his growth as an NBA player and as a young man.

In conclusion, the sensational rumor about the "Hawk Tuah" tattoo was pure internet fodder—a viral meme crossed with celebrity intrigue. The real story lies in LaMelo Ball’s dedication to his craft and his authentic expression through his *actual* massive, symbolic new tattoos, which further cement his status as one of the NBA's most visually distinctive players.