Anti-Semitic Photo of Kat Von D Sparks Controversy
Looks like Mel Gibson may have some company.
Upon being fired from the TLC show Miami Ink last year, tattoo artist Kat Von D allegedly signed a photograph addressed to her former boss / co-star, Ami James, and drew a swastika and a flaming Star of David on it...
As much as a lot of people wanna see Kat Von D nude, if she wrote this, that's messed up. We thought she was edgy, but laid back and cool! WTF, Kat!?
No one witnessed Kat Von D write the message, but Chris Garver, another tattoo artist on Miami Ink, said Kat personally handed him the anti-Semitic photo - which TMZ obtained and posted on its website earlier this afternoon.
Ami James, a native of Israel who served in the Israeli Special Forces prior to starting his career as a tattoo artist, reportedly went to TLC management when he received the photo, but sources say he was rebuffed.
After Ami had a lawyer intervene, a handwriting analyst concluded "there is a 99 percent probability that Kat Von D" wrote the message."
In early July 2007, Ami's lawyer went to TLC with the analysis. They simply sent him a letter back that acknowledged receiving the results and said, "We trust that this information will be kept strictly confidential."
Kat Von D's spinoff show, LA Ink, premiered a month later.
When contacted about the photo, Ami James told the celebrity news site that he wasn't as offended by the photo as he was by the indifference toward it.
"What is more devastating to me, and much more shameful is when people ignore something like this for the sake of the money or self-interest," said James, 35. "To me that is the real 'punch in the gut.'"
TLC issued the following statement:
"A publicity photo was brought to the network's attention eight months ago that contained extraordinarily offensive language. A full investigation was immediately conducted to determine whether anyone associated with the network was involved. Kat vehemently denied authoring the text and after completing the investigation, it was determined that insufficient evidence existed to conclude that she had. Therefore, no disciplinary action was taken. The network always takes these matters seriously and follows what we believe to be an appropriate course of action as dictated by the circumstances and available information."
Kat Von D's publicist issued the following statement:
"The recent accusation of a publicity photo of me with offensive and anti-semitic comments and graphics allegedly written by me is completely false and unfounded, and clearly a forgery. This was already proven many months ago to be 100 percent untrue. I always have been, and will continue to be an advocate for tolerance of all races, religions and ways of life."
February 8th, 2008 10:19 PM
This isn't true at all! This is what really happened:
I cannot begin to tell you how disgusted and disappointed i am with the recent rumors that started circulating around town, all of which are COMPLETELY FALSE.
Against the advice of my publicist, agent, and others, I have decided to be completely open and honest about the following, because you guys deserve that:
For quite some time, on my personal website, I had a section for "Autograph Requests". At any time, ANYONE could go on there, type in their name and mailing address, and my assistant and I would send you an 8x10 photograph of me signed, free of charge.
Honestly, we started getting an average about 2,000 per day, and couldn't keep up, so we took that option down. Now, when people send us gifts to the shop, fan art, or write us from jail, we send out an autographed 8x10, usually personalized as a gesture of thanks and appreciation. Anyone, could get their hands on one of these 8x10s.
Unfortunately, one of these 8x10's got in the hands of an evil, insecure, and spiteful person, who thought it would be a good idea to FORGE this kind of trash.
For those of you that HAVE received signed 8x10's from me in the past, you can CLEARLY see that this is a slanderous case of FORGERY, FRAUD, and attempt at getting attention.
I worked at Miami Ink for quite some time, before friction began between Ami (the owner) and I started, all of which was fueled by insecurity, jealousy, and lack of work ethic, ALL ON HIS PART. After endless counts of trying to make it work, it was clear that shit wasn't working out, and we all decided it was best to go our ways. I guess the old saying is true, "You can't shake hands with a fist."
But I always saw this as a positive new beginning... for the both of us! NEVER, have i wished the Miami Ink crew any harm - quite the opposite. In every interview after me leaving Miami, up until this very day, I always say how its a bummer things didn't work out, and even though I don't stay in contact with any of the guys, I wish them the best. And personally, I'm not the kind of girl that could harbor bad feelings inside. That always ends up making you a miserable human being, and i refuse to be that person. Shit happens, and you move on.
I did move on, and really focused on my tattooing, new shop, new crew, family, and myself. Consequently, La Ink was a success, and all the hard work truly paid off. But while everyone around us was supportive and happy for us, jealousy and fear grew in others, causing a feeling of desperation.
the next thing you know this fake 8x10 thing pops up, with much surprise to me. I mean, the first time I saw the actual photo with the writing on it, I almost puked, considering, those are things I would NEVER even think about, let alone write!
After serious investigation, all conclusions proved that it was NOT ME who wrote that junk.
And to think, the people I once loved and cared for like family, are the ones responsible for all of this. I've heard about strategic press, like a sex tape before the launch of a new season "magically" surfacing to the public, BUT THIS IS TRULY A SAD, SAD ATTEMPT.
I am in no way, planning on discussing this topic any further with press, and refuse to feed into this drama. this is what they want, attention. But I have always felt like my MySpace was a place where true fans go, and we can stay connected through my blogs and bulletins. This is why I feel this inclined to let you guys be aware of the truth.
Personally, I STILL don't wish anything bad upon the REAL culprit in this crime, but hope that one day, they come to the realization that living a life fueled by hatred will only make them unhappy in the end.
Thanks for those of you who took the time to listen to me, and continue to support everything good that we are trying to get across, because from the bottom of my heart, i love EVERYONE.
Yours truly,
Kat Von D
February 9th, 2008 12:08 AM
Okay, I highly suggest that everyone add Kat on MySpace and read her most recent bulletin. It thoroughly explains everything about this and how she did NOT have anything to do with it. If you ever watched Miami Ink you can fully tell that there was never any true animosity between Kat and Ami, or Kat and anyone on the show for that matter. Sure, Kat and Ami had their fights and disagreements, but there was never a time when there were too harsh of words exchanged. Kat is way more successful than Ami is now; that's obvious. Now, if you were Ami - opened your own tattoo shop, had an artist who left and then went on to create a tattoo shop that within a mere few months was more successful than yours was after a year - you would be upset and want to "get back" at whoever did that. But this? That's taking it to a whole other level, and it's really ridiculous, to say the least. Kat > Ami. Kat is a down to earth person who I truly don't think has it in her to even be mean.
February 9th, 2008 2:17 AM
I hear she loves Jew cock. True?
February 9th, 2008 9:33 PM
Ok.. everyone stop sucking on this bitches tits.. the only reason that kat von D is more "famous" than the Miami Ink crew is because she has a vagina and dresses like a tramp.. and before it becomes about one show versus the other.. I dont really care what you have to say on that matter.
Chris Garver, Corey Miller, Hannah Aitchison, and Kim Saigh are all top notch artists and deserve tons of respect.. Kat's work doesnt touch any of theirs.. and although she does decent portraits, she is a far cry from the best.. she would agree i'm sure.
There arent many tattoo artists who give a shit about this chick, and I dont really care if she wrote that message.. I would have fired her from my shop if she acted like she did on miami ink too.. she is a drama queen, and owes her success solely to miami ink, because she was pretty much unknown until she was on that show. Tattoo shops dont.. or at least shouldnt operate the way l.a. ink does.. stop being sheep..
February 9th, 2008 10:33 PM
At this time she looks guilty as hell. One person says she personally handed him the picture and another confirms the handwriting as hers. She deserves to be banned from all television as well as any residual payments from reruns. Why is Discovery (TLC parent) dragging their feet in doing the right thing? Her show is not that good anyway. Mostly a PMS laden soap opera filled with quasi interesting female issues. Fire her a$$ and give her a job putting tattoos on horses lips, although she pretty much comes off as being on the other end.
February 10th, 2008 1:14 AM
Ami is a real Pussy. He is so Jealous of Kat that he makes himself look like an Asshole. Get over it Ami, she's a bigger star than you. But your both just Tattoo artists - not real Stars, just reality Stars. & Kat don't make yourself look silly, just admit you F'd up and move on with your life. Who really gives a damn about Sticks & Stones.
February 10th, 2008 11:53 PM
First of all, it's you're - not your. Second, if this girl was stupid, racist and hateful enough to write something like that to anyone, she really doesn't need to be on television except for maybe a future episode of "Cops". Plus, I'm sure doing what she did in some way violates her contract, and if I were TLC, my lawyers would be working full-time on getting rid of her as cheaply as possible rather than defending her nazi comments.
February 11th, 2008 4:53 AM
i liked kat. i really did. then i started watching LA ink, and she wont shut up about how horrible miami was...and to think this show, these guys gave her her big break. i think shes a great tattoo artist. period. after a few episodes, i conclude i like miami ink better -- the show AND the guys. the other artists in la ink are cool though.
February 19th, 2008 12:15 PM
she didn't write that you idiots. ami and his crew made that crap up.
March 1st, 2008 3:30 PM
SHE DID WRITE THAT AND TLC HAS THE PROOF, BUT FOR RATINGS SAKE, THEYRE SHOVING IT UNDER THE CARPET. I CANT STAND HER SHOW . ITS ALWAYS PIXIE TO HOSPITAL OR KAT TO THE HOSPITAL. I THOUGHT IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A TATTOO SHOW LIKE MIAMI INK. DRAMA OH MY,ITS EVEN WORSE THAN INK. THEN WHEN SHE PUT THE SKATEBOARD RAMP IN. THESE ARE GROWNUPS ACTING LIKE THYRE 14. AND SHE DID NOT GET THE SHOP ON HER OWN IT WAS TLC. SHES ALL FAKE . SHE NEEDS TO GROW UP AND COME CLEAN ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS. RAD DUDE
SHES TIRED AND BURNED OUT , SHES A HAS BEEN
March 2nd, 2008 1:50 AM
Whoa, we all know how the media manipulates things, i can't watch tv most of the time especially when i found out how they're manipulating the american public into choosing the special interests presidential candidates. Steve O is a hideous deformity of a human and if she did date him, i can see why she turned sober. I'm guessing she made alot of mistakes when she drank lots of tequila. However, she's got a good heart and a genuine sincerity about her. Someone's just trying to bring her and her career down. I hear that the networks coerce these reality stars into doing alot of things on these "reality shows". Do you think that Kat designed her shop all by herself? I think TLC had some say in it. I don't think she's a has been, since she's cleaning up i think the best of her is about to unfold. Stay tuned, i don't think you've seen the best of Kat Von D, it is yet to come.
March 8th, 2008 8:12 PM
This could be true...but it could also be just a shitty person doing a shitty joke. Just because people appear on t.v doesn't mean they're untouchable when it comes to pranks, crimes or the jealousy bug. People can catch up to a celeb & play a really bad prank. It's not uncommon. Photographers do it all the time.
I'm not saying that I'm defending Kat or siding with Ami or whatever. I'm just saying that it could be a joke. Oooorrrrr Kat could of gotten totally trashed & did it while she was intoxicated. She used to be a total alcoholic after all. Who knows. All I know is just because she's a celeb people are blowing this shit up like chunks. Get over it. It's only a big deal if you make it that way.
March 14th, 2008 5:37 AM
OMG People!
What's Garver saying about this all?
She says, he says....ami's lawyers stating that she most defo did write it and Garver saying she passed it to him..what has she said about the lawyers testing her writing?....Garver needs to speak up...and alcoholism ain't an excuse...when you're drunk often your true feelings come out....methinx she did it but did not realise the ramifications..whatever the weather publicity is publicity for both shows...
March 14th, 2008 4:27 PM
Man, this bitch lies about everything! She lies to all the men in her life, she's a lying sack of shit! She probably DID write this. fuckin'bitch.
March 15th, 2008 8:41 AM
I'm going to say at this point that you hotheads need to settle down and maybe get your hands on the actual evidence before passing judgment either way. And, please, stop attacking each other in such petty ways, you just come across as fools with nothing better to do than post to a blog and flame people for their opinions and grammatical errors. Oh, crap, NOW I'M ONE OF YOU! DAMMIT!
March 22nd, 2008 5:55 PM
She DOES tend to lie a lot and this is becoming very apparent. Her stupid pregnancy publicity stunt?! Wat the fuk was that?! She's been caught in too many lies so she probably did write this.
She just got caught in a another lie not long ago. she wrote a blog explaining her and orbi were broken up a while thats why she started dating her new guy BUT then you can see a video of her saying she was still with orbi and hes asking to marry her and that was like 2 weeks before she wrote the blog!
what a headcase cunt. She'll get her shit.
March 26th, 2008 9:41 AM
I believe she did do it because she has already proved on television that she is a bitter, self obsessed, imature person who 'only does black and white'...the biggest pre-madonna on tv. I dont see any ink stops on the photo if someone really did take it and add to it. TLC bastard are just low life money chasers who do not give a shit about anything that stands in the way of their cash. I suggest a polygraph test be done, and with the real results no freaking forges and lies. By the way, LA ink (show) sucks. Im so sick of the show and cant wait til its over to see Miami Ink which is on after on wednesdays. Ami only did what was best for his PROFESSIONAL business, obviously he doesn't need some diva ruining the up-beat feel of the store.
What goes around comes around, and all of us hating on her for this immature act is exactly whats comming around to her, success wont last for this dirtbag.
May 5th, 2008 1:41 PM
I was 5 monts ago to LA,and i stoped at the shop
hight voltage tattoo,and they treat us like a piece of shit,
Kat piss off you guys are so rude,and Kat stop charging 2500 bucks for a tattoo,fucking rip off.
and remember what goes round comes arround.
kat suks
May 5th, 2008 1:44 PM
ahhhhhhh,i forgot,and i flu from sPAIN TO SEE U GUYS.WELL NOT TO SEE U.BUT I WAS THERE,AND I WAS WITING FOR KAT FOR 3 HOURS OUTSIDE THE SHOP,AND WHEN THEY STOPED FILMING,SHE SET TO ME ,SORRY KAT IS BUSSY,AND I SET YES BUT I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR3HOURS AND HALF,,ANT THEY TOLD ME TO PISS OFF
May 5th, 2008 1:46 PM
kat suks,
not surprise she left miami,they are such a nice guys.
she is not
June 8th, 2008 2:38 AM
You are all jealous of kat von d. you go girl