Authorities Investigating Whether Rihanna Tattooed Without A License
Authorities in New York City are investigating claims that pop star Rihanna illegally tattooed several people at East Side Ink on Wednesday evening, MTV News reported.
Rihanna was caught by the paparazzi with a tattoo instrument in her hand, reportedly inking people at the tattoo parlor. And now, the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are looking into the alleged incident.
“Only licensed tattoo artists can administer tattoos in the city according to the City’s Health Code,” the NYDHMH told MTV News in a statement. “We are sending someone to follow up on this.”
East Side Ink owner Yadira told the music channel that Rihanna came to the shop with some friends and stayed for “a few hours, just hanging out and joking,” the woman said.
Later, BangBang a tattooist at the parlor, the same man who gave Rihanna her infamous gun tattoo underneath her arm earlier this year, wanted the pop star to put some ink on him.
“We had a blast,” Yadira said. “It was so funny and cute.”
According to TMZ, however, the fun could lead to a fine. Tattooing without a license comes with penalties; $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second and $1,000 for the third.
A representative for the “Disturbia” singer was not immediately available for comment.
