Kate Cassidy is having several tattoo tributes to the late Liam Payne laser-removed from her hand [1].

The decision has sparked public discussion regarding the permanence of grief and the nature of memorial tattoos. Because the tattoos are highly visible on her hand, the removal process is being closely followed by followers on social media [2].

Cassidy shared the news in a TikTok video posted July 29 [3]. In the video, she addressed the choice to remove the ink, which had been placed to honor the singer nearly two years after his death [3].

"The only reason that I am lasering off these tattoos is literally just because they are too thick for my liking," Cassidy said [4].

She further clarified her reasoning in separate statements, reiterating that the aesthetic quality of the ink was the primary driver for the procedure. "I’m just getting them lasered because they’re too thick for me," she said [5].

Reports on the extent of the removal vary. Some sources describe the process as a temporary removal of some tributes [2], while others indicate she is having the tattoos lasered off entirely [4].

The tattoos were located on her hand, making them a prominent part of her appearance [2]. Cassidy has not provided further details on whether she intends to replace the designs with thinner versions, or leave the skin clear.

“"The only reason that I am lasering off these tattoos is literally just because they are too thick for my liking."”

The controversy surrounding Cassidy's decision highlights the tension between personal aesthetic preferences and the public's perception of memorialization. By framing the removal as a technical issue regarding the thickness of the ink rather than an emotional detachment from the deceased, Cassidy is attempting to decouple the physical art from the sentiment it represents.