Fans online are claiming that recent Instagram takedowns targeting Sleep Token–inspired tattoo artists stem from Rico Management (KillLynx LLC), the company handling the band’s business affairs. Since the group’s 2023 signing with RCA Records, many have noticed a stricter approach to copyright enforcement — a stark shift from the band’s earlier tolerance of fan art, tattoos, and cosplay.
The crackdown has also sparked debate about Instagram’s automated IP enforcement, which critics say disproportionately harms small creators and independent artists who rely on social media to promote their work.
Neither Sleep Token, RCA Records, nor Rico Management have publicly commented on the matter. The controversy continues to fuel discussion about the legal gray area tattoos occupy — balancing personal expression with copyright ownership.
With her original tattoo business account having been disabled, the artist, whose real name is Emily-Jayne, posted a statement on a brand new account that gives a quick explanation.
Her post reads:
My account @inkitej that I’ve worked hard to build a clientele and platform on has been wrongfully taken down by Sleep Token’s team “RCA” or Rico’s Management/Entertainment for creating Sleep Token inspired tattoos and flash sheets.
I’ve been tattooing for 3 years and was building a clientele predominantly surrounding music related inspired tattoos in both the United Kingdom and Canada (for if or when i move permanently). I woory that this abuse of power will become worse and more widespread, attacking smaller businesses and creativity.
I will now be using this account as my main business account (and hopefully get my original @ back at some point). I will no longer be tagging specific bands in posts, hashtags or using their music in posts, and will be more mindful on what designs to post, but I will continue to do custom tattoos for clients who ask.
This will not be the end of me creating music related and inspired tattoo designs, flash sheets or custom made. This is not only a passion I love, it’s a career.
I’m heartbroken all of my old illustrations are now gone forever, but this is a new chapter. Please drop me a follow and support small and local businesses.
InkItEJ’s twitter is still active however, and still has tattoos and artwork inspired by the band and others posted.
This new Sleep Token drama follows claims that their fans were chanting “drop that bitch” and purposely dropping crowd surfers at Louder Than Life just weeks ago.
Sleep Token will wrap their North American tour tonight at the Crypto.Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.
