In the ever-evolving landscape of internet virality, certain moments etch themselves into digital history, sparking conversations and captivating audiences worldwide. Back in 2012, one such moment arrived in the form of a video featuring Maria, who became instantly recognizable as the “Butthole Tattoo Girl.” For me, as a content creator exploring subcultures, it was an unexpected dive into the deep end of viral fame.
The realization of the video’s explosive popularity hit when a friend pointed out its feature on Real Time With Bill Maher. Suddenly, a local story had catapulted onto a national stage. In 2012, a viral video felt monumental, a genuine phenomenon in a less saturated digital world. BuzzFeed even dubbed the “butthole tattoo” video as the most insane event in Florida of that year, a year that also saw the infamous “Miami Zombie” incident. This was before “going viral” became a calculated marketing strategy, a time when internet sensations often arose organically and unpredictably.
At the time, working as the music editor for New Times Broward-Palm Beach, I was focused on creating engaging video content that would resonate with online audiences. This included exploring alternative lifestyles and showcasing emerging hip-hop talent. It was at the South Florida Tattoo Expo where my colleague Jacob Katel and I stumbled upon the story that would soon capture the internet’s attention. Now, marking the fifth anniversary of Maria’s “Anus Tattooed” reveal, it feels timely to reflect on the whirlwind that followed, especially as the Miami Tattoo Arts Convention approaches.
Jake, with his videography skills, was instrumental in bringing this story to life. We were initially filming routine interviews when a woman casually inquired if we were interested in seeing her tattoo. With a lift of her skirt, she revealed an inked ring around her anus. My initial reaction was surprise, a moment of unexpected exposure in a hotel lobby. However, the surrounding crowd found it amusing, a spectacle unfolding in real-time.
Shortly after, Jake noticed a larger group gathering around the same woman, who was now getting her “anus tattoo” covered with additional artwork. He urged me to interview her amidst this impromptu performance. Hesitant at first, I proceeded, recognizing the story unfolding before us. Maria, the woman with the unique tattoo, was enthusiastic and open to sharing her experience.
After a brief interview, as I began to walk away, Maria asked, “What’s your name?” Embarrassed by my journalistic oversight in the unexpected situation, I replied, “Liz!” and asked for hers in return. “Maria,” she responded, “like in West Side Story.” This simple, humanizing reference shifted my perspective. Beneath the shock value of the “anus tattooed” visual, there was a person. While I felt a protective instinct, the internet’s gaze was already fixed upon her. My judgment was irrelevant; Maria was the story, and the audience was captivated. Though she presented herself as sober, Maria later admitted to Jake in a follow-up interview that she had consumed “ten shots of Jäger.” Her exuberant declaration, “It feels so good!” in the video, certainly added to the performance aspect.
The aftermath was a blur of internet fame. While the specifics of that period are hazy now, the impact was undeniable. Recognition became commonplace; strangers, including parents of people I knew, would stop me on the street. The video reached platforms like HBO, Comedy Central, and MTV. Suddenly, I was navigating a wave of online attention, grappling with the question of legacy. Would this “anus tattooed” story define my career? Was internet notoriety preferable to obscurity? These were the questions that occupied my thoughts during that surreal time.
Returning to the tattoo convention the following year with Jake felt like entering a different world. We were greeted as familiar faces, part of the community. The shared experience of the viral video had created a unique connection.
Since then, my career has evolved, encompassing projects I am personally proud of. What about Maria? Her path remains less clear. While concerns about exploitation lingered, Maria seemed to embrace the attention. Rumors circulated of a Tosh.0 appearance and an online engagement. One can only hope the experience, however unconventional, had a positive impact on her life.
The “anus tattooed” video’s success, beyond its shock value, likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Maria’s “West Side Story” reference hinted at a relatable humanity beneath the surface. Her willingness to embrace and perform a provocative aspect of herself was undeniably compelling. Perhaps, too, my approach as an interviewer – striving for non-judgmental engagement regardless of subject matter – resonated with viewers. Ultimately, however, the narrative power lay in Jake’s editing. He shaped the story of Maria’s tattoo into the viral sensation it became.
Reflecting on this “anus tattooed” phenomenon years later, the internet landscape has shifted dramatically. Viral moments are now often manufactured, fleeting, and less impactful. Maria’s story remains a peculiar artifact of a different digital era, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of early internet fame and the enduring power of a truly unexpected image. And while the thought of my own son one day discovering this story brings a mix of amusement and slight apprehension, I hope he, like many others, can approach it with humor and a recognition of the strange and fascinating corners of internet culture.
