Alysa Liu: Olympic Gold, Tattoo Backlash, and the “Alt-Girl” Revolution

In the high-stakes world of figure skating, few athletes have managed to blend Olympic excellence with an unapologetic “alternative” aesthetic as successfully as Alysa Liu. However, the 20-year-old Team USA star is currently facing a wave of social media scrutiny that has nothing to do with her triple Axels and everything to do with her choice of ink.

Following her historic double-gold victory at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, a photo of a tattoo on Liu’s lower back has ignited a firestorm of “Baphomet” allegations, prompting a divide between critics and fans who insist: “y’all are hating.”

The Tattoo at the Center of the Storm

The controversy began on February 26, 2026, when images of Liu’s lower back tattoo surfaced on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. The design—which features a central figure with prominent wing-like extensions—immediately triggered speculation among some online circles that the image represents Baphomet, a goat-headed occult symbol often associated with the “Sabbatic Goat.”

While Baphomet historically represents a balance of opposites and individual liberty, it is frequently misinterpreted as purely “satanic” in modern pop culture. This led to a swift backlash from conservative corners of the internet, with users questioning the champion’s choice of imagery.

The Fan Response: “Y’all are Hating”

Supporters were quick to jump to Liu’s defense, pointing out that the blurry social media photos are hardly enough to confirm the tattoo’s true design. Many fans expressed frustration that a world-class athlete—the first American woman to win individual Olympic gold in 24 years—was being reduced to a debate over her skin art.

The “Smiley” Piercing and the Alt-Girl Aesthetic

The tattoo backlash comes on the heels of intense public interest in Liu’s “smiley” piercing—a frenulum piercing located inside the upper lip that is visible only when she smiles.

In a refreshing display of candor, Liu revealed to media outlets during the Games that she actually pierced it herself over two years ago.

• The DIY Factor: “I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking in the mirror,” Liu told NBC News. “I had my piercing needle and then—yeah, I just put it through.”
• The Non-Conformist Icon: Alongside her chunky blonde-and-brunette “halo” dyed hair, Liu has become a hero for the “Blade Angels” (a nickname she shares with teammates Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn) and the broader alternative community.

A New Era of Figure Skating

Liu’s rise to over 6 million followers on Instagram represents a shift in the sport’s culture. Traditionally known for the “ice princess” archetype—tight buns, sparkling dresses, and reserved personalities—Liu has ushered in an era of authentic, “punky” self-expression.

Despite the “Baphomet” noise, Liu remains “peak happy,” as she told reporters after her free skate to Donna Summer’s MacArthur Park Suite. Having returned from a two-year retirement in 2024 to reclaim her place at the top of the podium, Liu has made it clear that her validation comes from her own creative process, not social media approval.

As the figure skating world looks toward the post-Olympic season, Liu’s influence is undeniable. Whether it’s through her “smiley” piercing or her mysterious tattoos, she is proving that you can be your authentic, edgy self and still be the best in the world.