In a world where most people just block and report internet trolls, one Florida man has taken an absolutely wild approach to dealing with online hate — and it’s permanent.
Meet Ethan, aka “The Internet Sweetheart,” a 28-year-old from Tampa who’s revolutionizing the art of clapping back at haters by literally tattooing their insults, names, and even pictures of their loved ones onto his body. Yes, you read that right.
From Call Center to Viral Sensation
By day, Ethan works at a call center for an AC company, but by night, he transforms into what might be the internet’s most committed troll slayer.
With over 12.7 million likes on TikTok before his recent dramatic switch to Instagram, he’s turned trolling the trolls into an art form — quite literally.
“I’m not just clapping back at trolls,” Ethan explains. “I’m making a statement. I’m holding up a mirror to their bad behavior and saying, ‘This is who you are.'”
How It All Started: The Gregory Saga
What kicked off this wild journey? It all began when a woman named Rita thought it would be fun to mock Ethan’s tattoos.
Instead of letting it slide, Ethan took revenge in the most unexpected way — by tracking down her son Gregory on Instagram and tattooing his name on his back.
The result? One furious mom and the birth of what would become Ethan’s signature move.
The $10,000 “Wall of Shame”
Since that first revenge tattoo, Ethan’s back has transformed into what he calls his “Wall of Shame” — a growing collection of troll-inspired ink that’s become so extensive, he’s had to start using his legs as additional canvas space.
From tattooing a hater’s ex-boyfriend’s name to getting a Grim Reaper portrait of a troll’s deceased father, there’s seemingly no limit to how far he’ll go.
When Trolling Goes Too Far
Not all of Ethan’s revenge tattoos have landed smoothly. In one particularly controversial instance, his tattoo of a conservative TikToker led to her receiving threats at her job as an elementary school teacher.
“I took the video down because I don’t want anyone to feel unsafe,” he says. “My goal is to call out bad behavior, not to ruin lives.”
From Addiction to Artful Revenge
Behind the viral sensation lies a deeper story. After battling a 10-year opiate addiction, Ethan got sober at 26 and channeled his addictive personality into something more positive — though admittedly still pretty extreme.
“Getting tattooed became a new addiction — but a healthier one,” he shares.
What’s Next for the Internet’s Most Tattooed Troll Slayer?
With body space running low, Ethan’s already brainstorming new ways to keep his unique brand of revenge fresh.
He’s considering everything from posters and t-shirts to a coffee table book featuring his troll tattoos. He even dreams of hosting his own podcast or show.
His message to potential trolls? “Comment at your own risk. I’m not someone you want to mess with.” And to his supporters: “I love you guys. You’ve stuck with me through everything, and I couldn’t do this without you.”
The Platform Switch Drama
Recently, Ethan made waves by leaving TikTok for Instagram, claiming the platform had been suppressing his content for months.
“This isn’t political,” he explained to concerned fans. “This is survival. If you’re a true supporter, you’ll follow me wherever I go.”
Love him or hate him, one thing’s for sure — Ethan’s leaving a permanent mark on both his body and internet culture. And with each new tattoo, he’s proving that sometimes the best revenge isn’t served cold — it’s served inked.