The tattoos reflect the Joker's history. Ayer drew inspiration from "drug lords on Instagram" to try and create a more realistic villain.

Now, Ayer is responding to a popular tattoo fan theory about Joker in Suicide Squad. In the 2016 film, the Clown Prince of Crime has a number of visible tattoos, particularly on his face.

Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker won’t be going the way of Jared Leto‘s tatted-up, grillz-sporting Clown Prince of Crime. “No. And I haven’t seen any grillz up to this point,” Joker star Zazie ...

In 2018, Ayer explained his thinking behind the 'Damaged' tattoo, saying "it was meant for Batman after he smashed Joker teeth for killing Jason Todd". But he admitted "some people found it ...

Jared Leto’s Joker tattoos in Suicide Squad were controversial, but none more so than the word “Damaged” written across his forehead. Director David Ayer has been responding to DC… ...

In an interview with Yahoo, director David Ayer has claimed there’s reason to pay attention to The Joker’s striking tattoos. “The tattoos tell a very specific story”, he said.