A detailed report on Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble’s transformation and the reasons behind it

Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble, widely recognized in Australia for his extreme body modifications and distinctive tattoos covering nearly his entire body.

Has begun a long and painful process to remove many of his tattoos — particularly those on his face — in an effort to create a more approachable image for the sake of his young daughter.

His decision, reported by multiple international news outlets, has sparked global conversation about identity, parenting, and the societal perceptions surrounding heavily tattooed individuals.

According to Newsner, ABC News Australia, Wprost, Medium, and other reputable sources, Bramble’s process of tattoo removal marks a major shift from the persona that once brought him notoriety.

His transformation reflects not only a physical change but also a deep emotional and psychological reevaluation of how he wants to be seen by his daughter as she grows up.

Early Modifications: A Life Shaped by Extreme Body Art

Ethan Bramble began modifying his body at an unusually young age. As reported by Newsner, he started at just 11 years old, when he stretched his earlobes for the first time.

From there, he increasingly embraced modifications that many would consider extreme.

Over the next decade, Bramble underwent more than 40 different body modification procedures, including:

stretching his ears, splitting his tongue, removing his belly button, tattooing his entire face, covering large portions of his arms, chest, and legs in ink.

He explained in interviews that the modifications once served as a form of self-expression, independence, and personal control. For years, he embraced being different and enjoyed the attention — positive or negative — that his appearance attracted.

But over time, the shock factor that once felt empowering began to feel isolating.

Media Attention and Public Perception

Bramble’s appearance has been widely covered by media outlets worldwide. A story published by Wprost described him as “one of the most modified young adults in the world” and noted the global attention he received due to his experimental look.

While some admired his boldness, many reacted with shock, confusion, or judgment.

His public image became polarized — some viewed him as an artist, while others saw him as a symbol of excess or rebellion.

As his appearance grew more extreme, so did the reactions: strangers stared or whispered in public, parents pulled children away from him, he experienced challenges in employment, and occasionally became the subject of viral online commentary.

For a long time, Bramble accepted or even enjoyed the attention. It was part of the identity he had built. But becoming a father changed everything.

Fatherhood and the Moment That Changed His Perspective

Ethan Bramble has openly explained that becoming a father forced him to reevaluate how he wanted to be perceived — not for the public, but for his daughter.

A turning point came during simple daily routines, such as walking his daughter to school. He began noticing the reactions of other parents, teachers, and even children.

While he had lived with people’s reactions his entire life, seeing those reactions through his daughter’s eyes was something entirely different.

He began asking himself: “Is this the version of myself I want her to remember?” “How will my appearance affect her as she grows up?” “Will she face judgment or embarrassment because of me?”

These questions slowly grew into anxiety, and eventually into the decision that he needed to make a change.

According to Newsner and Good News Media, Bramble explained that he did not feel ashamed of his past, but he wanted his daughter to feel comfortable beside him — without carrying the weight of society’s reactions.

He stated that the decision was rooted in love, responsibility, and the desire to be the best version of himself for her.

Choosing Tattoo Removal: A Painful, Long-Term Commitment

Tattoo removal is significantly more painful and time-consuming than getting tattooed.

According to multiple reports, including Newsner and Dobre Wiadomosci, Bramble has already undergone over a year of laser treatments, performed in multiple sections, particularly focusing on his face.

The process typically includes:

intense bursts of laser light to break down pigment, severe burning sensations, similar to hot grease splattering on skin, swelling and redness lasting days after each session, and long recovery times between treatments.

Each session only removes a thin layer of ink, meaning that tattoos require many treatments to fade significantly — and some darker or deeper tattoos may never fully disappear.

Even so, Bramble has committed to continuing the process.

He has described the experience as “far more painful than the tattooing ever was.” Yet he remains determined, emphasizing that the pain and discomfort feel worthwhile when he considers the future impact on his daughter’s life.

The Psychological Journey: Regret or Evolution?

A central question surrounding Bramble’s transformation is whether he regrets his tattoos.

Bramble has been clear:
He does not regret his past — but he regrets the permanent impact on how others feel around him.

He has explained that his modifications once represented freedom and self-expression, but they no longer align with the life he wants as a parent. He now reflects on how the external identity he created in his youth has affected:

job opportunities, social interactions, relationships, and how people perceive him as a father.

He describes the process not as erasing who he was, but as “clearing the canvas,” a metaphor for starting a new chapter while respecting the journey that came before it.

For him, tattoo removal is a symbol of emotional maturity rather than shame.

Social Pressure, Work Challenges, and Public Misconceptions

Studies cited by ABC News Australia show that visible tattoos — particularly facial tattoos — can significantly impact employment opportunities.

Many industries remain hesitant to hire someone with tattoos on areas such as the face or hands, even as tattoos become more common in society.

Bramble himself acknowledged that he has faced these challenges. While he has built a following online, he has spoken openly about wanting better job prospects to provide for his family.

In addition to employment challenges, heavily tattooed individuals often face:

assumptions about criminal history, stereotypes related to violence or danger, judgments about intelligence or professionalism, social exclusion, and discomfort from strangers.

For Bramble, these experiences became more painful once he saw how they could impact his child’s life.

A Father’s Motivation: Protecting His Daughter’s Emotional World

At the heart of this story is a father’s devotion to his daughter.

According to multiple reports, Bramble has emphasized the emotional connection he shares with her and the desire to be a stabilizing, comforting figure in her life.

He wants her to feel:

proud to walk beside him, safe in public spaces, unburdened by other people’s judgments, and free to talk about him without fear of ridicule.

These priorities have outweighed his previous commitment to extreme body modification.

In a world where children can be victims of bullying or exclusion over the smallest differences, Bramble has expressed that he wants to eliminate any potential reason his daughter might feel uncomfortable.

This sentiment has resonated deeply with thousands of parents online who have praised his openness and vulnerability.

Public Response: Support, Criticism, and Global Discussion

The public reaction to Bramble’s transformation has been mixed, though largely supportive. Many have praised him for putting his daughter first and for breaking the stereotype that heavily modified individuals cannot be loving or responsible parents.

Comments from social media include messages such as:

“This is what parenthood is — sacrifice and love.” “He is proving he’s more than his tattoos.” “Respect to this father for thinking about his child’s future.”

Others have offered criticism, arguing that appearance should not matter. But Bramble’s experience and the studies supporting his concerns show that, realistically, appearance does affect how others treat both adults and their children.

The global discussion has sparked larger debates about:

tattoo culture, parental responsibility, societal judgment, and the limits of personal expression.

Future Plans and the Long Road Ahead

Tattoo removal is not a quick fix. Bramble likely faces several more years of treatment if he chooses to continue removing all facial tattoos.

He has stated that he will proceed gradually, evaluating his progress and balancing treatments with parenting, work, and financial responsibilities.

What remains clear is that every step of this journey is rooted in his love for his daughter, not a rejection of his identity.

He has expressed that he wants to:

maintain a healthier lifestyle, seek more stable employment opportunities, reduce public anxiety related to his appearance, and continue being an engaged, present father.

More Than Tattoos: A Story of Identity, Growth, and Fatherhood

While Ethan Bramble’s story involves tattoos, lasers, and physical transformation, at its core it is about something far more universal: the evolution of a parent who wants to become better for his child.

He represents a reality that many people face — the tension between who we were, who we are, and who we want to become.

Bramble’s decision to remove his tattoos does not erase his past. Rather, it reshapes his future.

His journey challenges stereotypes, opens conversations, and reminds us that growth often requires vulnerability, pain, and courage.

Most importantly, it shows that the unconditional love of a child can inspire profound change — even in someone whose entire identity was once defined by ink and modification.