After being continually slated by viewers and critics, and having already had one run-in with media regulator Ofcom this series, the X-Factor could be about to find itself in hot water once more. Ofcom has launched another investigation into the programme after receiving a number of viewer complaints about X-Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos’ signature salute at the beginning of each programme. Eagle-eyed viewers have apparently taken umbrage to the tattoo that Tulisa has brandished across her right forearm – The Female Boss – alleging that the young popstar is using the exposure of the programme to promote her recently launched perfume of the same name.
The Female Boss
Further to complaints about the tattoo, viewers also drew attention to Tulisa mentioning the perfume brand on sister programme The Xtra Factor. The overt display of the tattoo – which usually happens on both shows over the weekends – only took place on Saturday’s show this week, prompting speculation that Tulisa had already been warned. Ofcom will investigate whether the incidents are in breach of broadcasting regulations on the promotion and reference to commercial products by a show’s presenter or talent.
The stories about the X Factor that generally appear in the tabloids are usually the result of an overactive PR machine trying desperately to hype an already successful show. But in this case, the conflict between a tattooed employee and employer or regulator has a ring of truth to it. At our network of Laserase clinics across the UK we often see people coming in for laser tattoo removal due to conflicts arising at work or when trying to find a job. Even if a tattoo is cherished, people are often willing to go through the laser removal procedure if it means a greater chance at getting a dream job. Like many figures in the public eye, Tulisa is learning that she must be mindful of what she says and does in front of the cameras but perhaps she will opt for laser tattoo removal when the time comes to launch her next product.
A personal tribute
Two weeks ago, on Remembrance Day, we drew attention to the tattooed tributes that people pay to those who lose their lives in conflict. This week we have been made aware of the case of former soldier Shaun Clark and how he chooses to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. Clark, who served with the British Army from 1989 to 1996, decided that on Remembrance Day in 2009 he would have the names of each and every soldier to have died in the Afghanistan conflict tattooed onto his torso. During that first session, Clark had more than 300 names inked and, at 11am on every Remembrance Day to follow, he tattoos the names of the service personnel killed in the previous 12 months onto his body.
Clark during a tattooing session
This year Clark had another 40 names tattooed onto his body – this time on his leg – and will unfortunately be back in the tattooist chair at the same time next year. If, however, Clark runs out of space to continue with his unique tribute, his son Peter is set to pick up the gauntlet.
Opinions are, as ever, divided over the tattoos, but over the course of having these 383 names inked on his body, Clark has raised over £4,500 through sponsorship for charity Help for Heroes.
And finally…
As we often report about the excesses of modern tattooing it’s easy to forget that the practice has permeated many cultures for hundreds of years. This week the BBC reported on the traditional facial tattoos of China’s smallest ethnic group, the Derung. Until the Communist Revolution of 1949, the Derung women would receive facial tattoos before marriage. With only 41 elderly tattooed women left in the community, authorities have begun to film and document the women to preserve their images for future generations.
See the BBC report here.
