A Florida tattoo shop is drawing widespread criticism after announcing on social media that it will refuse service to current and former members of the U.S. military, touching off a heated debate over free speech, discrimination, and respect for those who have served.
Revival Tattoo Collective, located in Largo, Florida, posted a lengthy message on June 23 defending comments it had previously made about the military and law enforcement.
“People all in their feelings because I expressed my opinion of the military and law enforcement,” the post began. “My opinion is that the military is a bunch of war criminals and law enforcement kills babies and unarmed citizens in the street.”
The post continued by criticizing those who had responded negatively, saying, “If you don’t like my opinion cool, but you’re not going to change it.”
The shop then made its policy unmistakably clear.
“Once again for the slow ones… if you are ex military or currently serving just don’t come to the shop. You will be turned away.”
Revival Tattoo Collective was founded by tattoo artist Brady Martinson, who is described on the business’s website as a tattooist and sign painter specializing in script, blackletter, and custom typography. The site says he approaches every piece of lettering as “architecture” designed to last a lifetime.
The social media post quickly generated hundreds of reactions, with some users expressing support while many others condemned the decision.
One supporter argued that the military targets disadvantaged young people by offering educational benefits as a path to a better future before concluding with the slogan “ACAB,” an abbreviation commonly interpreted as “All Cops Are Bastards.”
Most of the responses, however, were sharply critical.
One commenter argued that the shop’s position amounted to stereotyping an entire profession based on the actions of a small number of individuals.
“This kind of thinking is disappointing and immature,” the commenter wrote. “Judging an entire group by the actions of a few is the same type of prejudice I’m sure you claim to oppose.”
The commenter went on to note having served alongside people from diverse backgrounds and said many of the most compassionate and selfless individuals they had known wore military uniforms. They urged the shop to reject broad stereotypes consistently rather than applying them selectively.
Another user dismissed the post by writing, “Lmao it must be so peaceful being this ignorant.”
Others emphasized that while the business has the right to express its opinions, public criticism is also a consequence of exercising free speech.
“I don’t agree with your opinion, but that doesn’t mean I won’t fight for your right to say it,” one person wrote. “Please keep in mind that the First Amendment merely protects you from being punished by the government for your speech. It does not protect you from the consequences of what you say.”
Another user replied with a GIF reading, “Stop breaking the law a–hole.”
One commenter joked about attempting to receive a tattoo without revealing prior military service until afterward. The shop responded bluntly: “No you won’t.”
As the controversy continued to spread, Fox News Digital obtained a statement from a spokesperson for Revival Tattoo Collective.
“Yeah I’m booked up I can’t take any clients military or civilian,” the spokesperson said. “Thanks for your interest on my opinion.”
