5 Shocking Facts About Oliver Peck's Blackface Scandal And His Current Status (2025 Update)

The career of world-renowned American Traditional tattoo artist Oliver Peck was irrevocably altered in early 2020 when a series of highly controversial photos surfaced online, leading to his immediate departure from the hit reality competition show, *Ink Master*. This deep dive, updated for December 17, 2025, explores the full timeline of the blackface scandal, the subsequent fallout, and what the Dallas-based tattoo legend has been doing since leaving the spotlight of reality television.

The controversy centered on images showing Peck in multiple instances of blackface, a practice with deep roots in racist history, worn as part of various Halloween costumes over several years. While the scandal forced him to step away from his prominent television role, his life and work in the tattoo industry, particularly at his famed shop, Elm Street Tattoo, continued, albeit under intense scrutiny.

Oliver Peck: Full Biography and Career Profile

Oliver Peck is a highly respected figure in the global tattoo community, known for his mastery of the bold and classic American Traditional style, characterized by strong outlines and a limited color palette.

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• Full Name: Oliver Peck
• Born: July 29, 1971
• Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA
• Primary Profession: Tattoo Artist, Restaurateur, Reality Television Personality (Former)
• Tattoo Career Start: Began tattooing at the age of 19, dedicating his career to the American Traditional style.
• Business Ventures: Co-owner of the world-famous Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas (Deep Ellum area), and formerly a restaurateur.
• Guinness World Record: Holds a Guinness World Record for giving the most tattoos in a 24-hour period (415 tattoos).
• Television Role: Served as a master judge on Paramount Network's *Ink Master* alongside musician Dave Navarro and fellow artist Chris Núñez for 13 seasons (2012–2020).
• Marital Status: Formerly married to fellow tattoo artist Kat Von D.

The Blackface Controversy: What Exactly Happened?

The scandal that led to Peck’s exit from *Ink Master* was swift and severe, highlighting the zero-tolerance policy for racially insensitive behavior in modern media. The incident began with old photos resurfacing on social media, quickly gaining viral traction and public outrage.

The Resurfaced Photos and Public Outcry

In January 2020, multiple pictures of Oliver Peck wearing blackface makeup as part of Halloween costumes were circulated by TMZ and other media outlets. The images showed Peck in blackface on at least three separate occasions, with one photo depicting him in a costume that many found to be a deeply offensive caricature of a Black person. The use of blackface, regardless of the intent behind the costume, is widely condemned due to its historical connection to minstrel shows and the racist dehumanization of Black people.

The immediate public reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with fans, former contestants, and industry peers calling for his removal from the show. The controversy became a significant talking point about accountability and racial sensitivity within the tattoo and reality television industries.

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Oliver Peck's Apology and Exit from *Ink Master*

Following the emergence of the photos, Peck issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm caused by his actions. He stated that he wanted to “profusely apologize for my completely inappropriate, insensitive, and immature behavior.” He admitted that the photos were from his past and were taken at a time when he was "clearly not thinking about the implications of [his] actions."

Within days of the photos surfacing, Paramount Network and Oliver Peck announced that they had “parted ways.” This mutual agreement effectively ended his eight-year tenure as a judge on the popular tattoo competition series. His departure occurred midway through the airing of Season 13, *Ink Master: Turf War*, making it his final full season.

Life After Television: Oliver Peck’s Current Status (2025)

While the scandal cost Oliver Peck his high-profile television career, it did not end his professional life in the tattoo world. The master artist retreated from the reality TV spotlight to focus on his core business and passion: tattooing.

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The Status of Elm Street Tattoo

As of late 2025, Oliver Peck remains the co-owner and a principal artist at Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas. The shop, which he co-founded, is a highly respected institution in the tattoo community, particularly for its dedication to the traditional style. Peck continues to work at the studio, taking appointments and maintaining his reputation as a world-class tattooer.

The shop is also famous for hosting the annual Elm Street Tattoo & Piercing Expo and the Friday the 13th event, where thousands of customers line up for flash tattoos. These events continue to draw massive crowds, demonstrating the enduring strength of the Elm Street brand and Peck's foundational status within it.

Continuing Work in the Tattoo Industry

Peck's professional activities post-*Ink Master* have shifted entirely back to the foundational aspects of his career. He is frequently listed as an attending artist at major tattoo conventions across the United States. For instance, he has been featured on the artist roster for events like the New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta, confirming his continued, active participation in the industry well into 2024 and beyond. His focus is now solely on his craft, his shop, and his clients, away from the intense public scrutiny of reality television.

The Future of *Ink Master*

The departure of Oliver Peck, followed by the exit of Chris Núñez and host Dave Navarro before the show's revival, ushered in a new era for *Ink Master*. The show was eventually resurrected on Paramount+ with a completely revamped judging panel.

The new lineup for the competitive series includes an impressive roster of highly respected artists, including former winner Ryan Ashley, alongside industry veterans Nikko Hurtado and Ami James, with Joel Madden taking over as host and judge. This change reflected a broader shift in the show's desire for diversity and a fresh perspective following the high-profile controversy.

The blackface scandal serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting consequences of past actions, especially in the era of social media. While Oliver Peck’s television career ended abruptly, his legacy as a master of American Traditional tattooing continues to thrive within the established confines of the global tattoo community, primarily through his work at Elm Street Tattoo.

Key Entities and Topical Authority

• Reality Television: *Ink Master*, Paramount Network, Spike TV, Reality TV Judge.
• Tattoo Industry Figures: Dave Navarro, Chris Núñez, Ryan Ashley, Nikko Hurtado, Ami James, Kat Von D, Joel Madden.
• Tattoo Concepts: American Traditional Tattooing, Traditional Style, Black and Gray, Flash Tattoos, Tattoo Conventions, Tattoo Industry.
• Locations: Dallas, Texas, Deep Ellum, Elm Street Tattoo.
• Controversy Terms: Blackface Controversy, Racially Insensitive Behavior, Halloween Costumes, Public Apology, Forced Resignation, Social Media Fallout.