In a new video interview with TattooSnob, Gia Rose, a Philadelphia-based tattoo artist who owns White Oak Tattoo in Westchester, Pennsylvania, revealed that she received rape threats on her social media accounts when “Ink Master” was airing on television.
Rose speaks about the alliance that was created during Season 8 between herself, Nikki Simpson, Ryan Ashley, and Kelly Doty that caused a lot of male viewers to throw negativity her way.
“We were expecting negative comments here and there, but I was not expecting the amount of general disdain and hatred towards women,” she says in the video. “I actually learned how to tighten my social media security at that time. I received physical threats—I received rape threats. I was blown away by the straight-up hate.”
After appearing on the first season of “Ink Master Angels,” Rose walked away from reality television and focused on opening up her shop and putting energy into her art.
She says that she’s learned not to engage with the negativity that happens online. And besides the waves of comments that happen when the show launches in different countries or airs reruns, Rose says that the majority of the feedback she receives now is overwhelmingly positive. “I’m really lucky to have my clients and my general little fanbase,” she says. “They’re all really super positive ladies—and men.”
Rose explains that she sometimes has difficulty deciding when to make a statement and put herself out there online because she knows that when she posts something opinionated or controversial she’s opening herself up to criticism and negative feedback. “There is no separation. I’m not a product, but I am my brand. It is me,” she says. “You have to be thoughtful about it.”
As far as her time on Ink Master, Rose says that she tried to go in with no preconceived notions and tried to be open to the experience. She explains that her participation was good—like “summer camp with a bunch of tattooers.” But she adds that although the show helped her gain exposure and get her work in front of more people, it ultimately didn’t affect her bookings.
“At the end of the day, it is television,” she says. “Your career is what you make of it regardless.”
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