A young girl, who previously made headlines after receiving a tattoo at the age of nine, will be returning to Yuma this Friday to get another tattoo. The tattoo, an American flag, was done when she was flown to Yuma, prompting national attention and a range of reactions from the public, particularly locals who were outspoken about the appropriateness of such a decision for a minor.
In a previous interview, the tattoo artist, Sosa, explained that he had verified the legal requirements before proceeding with the tattoo. “I looked up the laws, and it was all legal,” he stated at the time. “I was like, let’s see, let’s see— I mean, I didn’t do anything illegal.” Sosa, who performed the controversial tattoo, has now clarified that the American flag design was the last tattoo he would do for the child. The family had initially planned for the child to receive a portrait of former President Donald Trump.
The artist, however, defended the family’s decision, expressing that parental guidance in such cases is complex. “Eventually, you’re going to end up hating your parents because they don’t let you do certain things,” said Sosa. “Instead of having a great relationship when they’re very young, you could lose that connection.”
Despite Sosa’s perspective, many locals in Yuma continue to voice their concerns over the matter. “I just don’t feel that a 10-year-old is old enough, smart enough, or wise enough to be making a permanent decision about their life,” said Donlee Marlin, a Yuma resident. “For a parent to support that is just wrong.”
Sosa, however, remains firm in his position, suggesting that cultural perspectives vary. “Every culture has different opinions… they’re not wrong and we’re not wrong, you know. Everybody has their own perspective,” he said, defending both the family and his role as the tattoo artist.
Despite the widespread attention the situation has garnered, Sosa asserts that his business has not been affected by the controversy.
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