'Ink Master' judge Oliver Peck exits show following blackface scandal surrounding old MySpace photos
As a result of the 'Ink Master' star Oliver Peck's blackface scandal, he has decided to part ways with the show and is packing his bags to say goodbye after 13 long years of being associated with it.
According to TMZ, Peck's exit from the show has been a mutual decision, as she said: "After filming 13 great seasons of Ink Master, the producers and I have decided it’s best to part ways." In his statement, he also acknowledged the blackface pics that resurfaced just a week ago from his age-old MySpace page and since has spurred the scandal leading to this subsequent exit. He said: "The offensive photos of me which recently surfaced from many years ago can only be a distraction to the amazing show I have loved being a part of and its many talented artists."
His statement concluded on a pacifying note, as he shared: "I want to thank the show’s cast, crew, contestants and awesome fans. It’s been a blast and an honor and I wish my friends and colleagues the very best in whatever the future holds." Check out the photos here.
Peck has been a judge on the show since 2012. His now ex-employers at Paramount Network also denounced the scandal, saying: "We, like many others, were appalled when we saw the photos of Oliver. We were glad to see his apology and accept that he is taking full responsibility for the damaging impact of his actions," reports the outlet.
The photos testifying for Peck's blackface resurfaced on the internet from his old MySpace page and in some of them, he can be seen with dark makeup on his face and the upper part of his body. He can be seen dressed in those blackface costumes at least twice. This lead to automatic outrage amongst the show's audience and a lot of people called for him being outed from the position - which eventually happened, but with a small catch: Peck will be appearing on the 13th season of the show after all.
TMZ reports that sources close to the show have revealed that the upcoming season 13 has already been shot with Peck appearing and is slated to air as recording and on schedule starting Tuesday night, on January 7. Following this season, Peck won't be seen on the show any further.