Tattoo artist under fire for inking a 9-year-old girl; she requested a Trump portrait but received an American flag instead

An Arizona tattoo artist, known as Sosa and co-owner of Black Onyx Empire Tattoo, has found himself in hot water after tattooing a 9-year-old girl with an American flag instead of the requested portrait of President Donald Trump. The incident, which took place in Yuma last May, has stirred controversy and ignited discussions about the ethics of tattooing children.

According to Sosa, the young girl visited his tattoo parlor with her family and expressed her desire to have a tattoo of Donald Trump on her neck. In Arizona, where parental consent is required, children are legally allowed to get tattoos in the presence of their parents.

Attempting to dissuade the family from the decision, Sosa quoted an exorbitant price of $500 for the tattoo, significantly higher than the usual $80 charge. Despite the steep cost, the family remained resolute in their decision. Sosa managed to convince them to opt for an American flag tattoo on the girl's arm instead of the initial Trump portrait.

Months later, the girl returned to the tattoo parlor for a touch-up on her flag tattoo, which Sosa willingly provided. Sharing the story on Instagram, Sosa asked for opinions on the matter, sparking a wave of criticism and outrage from the public.

Commenters on social media platforms expressed their disapproval, with many condemning Sosa's actions and calling for legal repercussions. Some individuals suggested involving child services, while others advocated for legal action against those involved in the incident.

Despite facing backlash and receiving threats, Sosa defended his decision, stating that he believed he was acting in the girl's best interest. He explained that the girl was determined to get a tattoo regardless of his involvement and that he wanted to ensure the procedure was done in a safe and hygienic environment.

Moreover, Sosa revealed that the family's background played a role in his decision-making process. The family, originally from Turkey and seeking refuge in the United States, viewed the tattoo as a symbol of gratitude towards their new home. The girl's older sister, who had also received a tattoo at the age of 9, further influenced their cultural perspective on body art.

Reflecting on the incident, Sosa expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging that while he felt moved by the family's story, he did not condone tattooing children. He emphasized the need for stricter laws and regulations regarding tattooing minors, proposing the implementation of an "age limit" to prevent similar occurrences in the future.