Oliver Peck has been the heart and soul of Ink Master since its debut in 2012. He is easily the most knowledgeable, most likeable, and the funniest of the judges. Recently, Oliver has rightfully come under fire for pictures he took years ago where he is seen in 'black face'. He immediately admitted this was done during his youth when he was surrounded by the wrong people.

“I want to profusely apologize for my completely inappropriate, insensitive, and immature behavior,” Peck said in an Instagram post, shortly after the photos began circulating on social media. “I hope that I’ve matured a great deal since then and I’m deeply sorry for everyone I’ve offended.

“I was 100% wrong to depict myself this way and I take full responsibility for my immature, misguided perspective, total lapse of judgement and insensitivity,” he added. “I can only hope that… anyone I have offended can… find it in [their] hearts to accept my sincere apology.”

Since then the Ink Master was cancelled and then revived for a new season. However, the Ink Master YouTube channel has begun being more active by hosting live streams of iconic episodes. The YouTube channel has made it clear that they are trying to distance themselves from Oliver by editing him out of most of the clips. This ridiculous endeavor has made it clear to the fans that the producers plan to get rid of him for any future Ink Master episodes. You will often find the live chats full of people clamoring for Oliver to be brought back. The show will not be the same without him and will undoubtedly lose fans due to this change. 

We have seen various much more powerful and influential figures be confronted with similar issues (i.e. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon). All of which have apologized and kept their cushy jobs. Why then do we see a judge for a niche reality TV show get put through the wringer?

Oliver has clearly grown as a person since the photos were taken. There is even a whole episode championed by him where hate tattoos are covered up to give these misguided individuals a second chance (S7 E8). The only way to end hate is to allow people a road to redemption. Otherwise, currently hateful individuals will have no incentive to change and will remain hopeless. Let us set an example by bringing back our beloved judge Oliver Peck.