Influencer’s ‘demonic’ tattoos terrify priest

A heavily tattooed and pierced influencer has claimed a priest once forced an exorcism on them over their body art.

A heavily tattooed influencer claims a priest once performed an exorcism on them because of their “demonic” tattoos.

DeeDee Villegas, who identifies as non-binary, is from Cebu, Philippines. They first got into tattoo culture while studying fine arts at university.

As the student population liked to express their individuality by going to extremes, DeeDee took the plunge and got their first tattoo – a tribal design on their neck of no special significance.

DeeDee Villegas is a tattoo advocate from the Philippines. Picture: mediadrumimages.com/@thedeedeevillegas/australscope

“I got my first tattoo during my emo goth college phase, mainly due to peer pressure,” DeeDee said.

“At first it was a fashion stance and later it evolved into an outlet for me.”

The 30-year-old soon became entrenched in tattoo culture when they discovered the importance tattoos had in the Philippines and worldwide.

“I got permanently invested in them when I did a course on art appreciation and learnt the rich historical significance of tattoos,” they said.

Over the last 12 years, DeeDee has spent over $38,000 tattooing 60 to 70 per cent of their body, including their eyeballs.

DeeDee’s tattoos have taken over 200 hours to complete and cover their entire body except for their stomach and legs.

DeeDee’s tattoos evoke some extreme reactions from strangers. Picture: mediadrumimages.com/@thedeedeevillegas/australscope

In addition to their tattoos DeeDee also has 12 facial piercings.

Being a heavily modified, gay, non-binary person in the Philippines comes with undeniable challenges.

DeeDee claims they had a priest perform an exorcism on them while on public transport and frequently has people quote bible passages for their “protection”.

“I have spent my adult life advocating against tattoo discrimination and things have slowly gotten better however, that is not always the case,” they said.

“On one memorable occasion, I had just boarded the public bus in the Philippines, when a priest on board saw me, raised his hands and started chanting.

DeeDee as a child. Picture: mediadrumimages.com/@thedeedeevillegas/australscope

DeeDee now. Picture: mediadrumimages.com/@thedeedeevillegas/australscope

“He was trying to exorcise the devil from me and as we were in a bus full of passengers it caused quite a scene.”

DeeDee said the Philippines has evolved and become more accepting of heavily modified as well as LGBTQI+ members over the years, but they still face discrimination.

“In the Philippines, it is a challenge still. I am to this day regularly verbally abused on the street,” they said.

“However, there is a change noticeable, there are careers that the heavily modified can apply for and thrive in.

“There was a time when you would not get a face-to-face interview with a visible tattoo and that has changed.”

DeeDee said being heavily tattooed was “tolerated” by society.

DeeDee began to get tattoos in art school. Picture: mediadrumimages.com/@thedeedeevillegas/australscope

DeeDee says there is a lot of discrimination. Picture: mediadrumimages.com/@thedeedeevillegas/australscope

“I wouldn’t say that it’s fully accepted, just as homosexuality is tolerated but not accepted.

“It is difficult as the Philippines are mostly Catholic conservative population,” they said.

“The stigma stems from the fact that once you are tattooed you’re either a drug addict or from prison.”

But DeeDee believes social media has helped drive more acceptance of people who have heavily modified appearances.

DeeDee has followers across TikTok, Facebook and Instagram and people often “recognise me on the streets”.

“However, the internet still being the internet I get my fair share of hate on it,” DeeDee said.

“I would say 60 per cent of the comments I receive are positive, however, I do have people quoting bible verses at me.”