When is a tattoo considered too much? That’s the question being raised after a mother and her son were asked to leave a Legoland Discovery Center in Texas due to complaints about her “offensive body art.” Lana Massey’s experience at the Grapevine Mills Mall location quickly went viral after she shared her story on the Church of Body Modification forum, sparking debate about public perception of tattoos and family-friendly environments.
Massey recounted the incident, explaining that after paying for entry and enjoying only ten minutes inside with her son, she was approached by a staff member named Melanie. She was informed that due to customer complaints regarding her tattoos, she and her son were being asked to leave and offered a refund. Massey expressed her heartbreak and embarrassment, especially as her son, a Lego enthusiast, witnessed the entire ordeal. She felt discriminated against, stating they regularly attend family-friendly events without issue. The situation escalated further when they were escorted back through the play area to retrieve a photo taken upon entry, adding to Massey’s feeling of being treated like a “convict.”
Legoland responded to the incident through spokeswoman Kelle Jackson, stating that a guest was asked to leave due to “customer complaints received about a visible offensive tattoo located on her lower leg.” Jackson cited Legoland’s policy allowing staff to refuse admission to guests with “clothing or images on their person that are offensive in nature,” given their focus as a family attraction for children aged three to ten. Legoland offered a refund and the option to return with complimentary tickets if the “graphic tattoo” was covered.
The tattoo in question? A vintage-style depiction of Tinkerbell, the beloved fairy from Disney’s Peter Pan. While the image, as seen in the original article, is indeed noticeable, Massey defends it as original artwork from the 1940s and argues it’s “no more offensive than zombie Jesus or guns promoting violence.” She highlights the lack of specific tattoo policies at Legoland and questions what could be considered genuinely offensive, stating, “I could see if it was like a gaping vag or something like that, but I don’t have anything like that.” Interestingly, Massey claims Legoland staff did not specify the Tinkerbell Tattoo as the problem, simply referring to “tattoos” in general. She also disputes being offered free return tickets.
Close-up of Lana Massey's vintage Tinkerbell tattoo on her leg, sparking debate about tattoo appropriateness at family venues.
This incident raises important questions about tattoo acceptance and the line between personal expression and public perception, especially in family-oriented spaces. Is a Tinkerbell tattoo, even in a vintage style, truly “offensive”? Where should family attractions draw the line regarding body art? And how can businesses balance customer comfort with individual rights? Massey’s experience at Legoland has undoubtedly ignited a conversation about these very issues.
