Presley Gerber’s decision to get a “MISUNDERSTOOD” tattoo across his cheek has resurfaced following his death at 27. Fans revisit the model’s public battles with mental health, addiction and the pressures of growing up in the spotlight.
Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday, September 20, at a rehabilitation facility, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records obtained by PEOPLE. On the Studio 22 podcast, Gerber said he hoped sharing his experiences could help others facing similar challenges. His cause of death has not been released, and an autopsy remains pending.
The face tattoo, which read “MISUNDERSTOOD,” became a defining and controversial moment in Gerber’s public image. He debuted the ink in February 2020 after working with celebrity tattoo artist Jonathan “JonBoy” Valena. “I don’t feel very understood, I guess,” Gerber said while defending the tattoo. “If anyone has s— to say to me about this, or anything else, or my family, or how I grew up … I will give you my address — I promise — and you can come say it to my face,” Gerber said in the video where he addressed the tattoo. In August 2021, he was photographed in Malibu without the “MISUNDERSTOOD” tattoo visible on his face, PEOPLE reported. He described mental health as an ongoing effort and said he wanted people struggling to know they were not alone. At the time, a source close to the family told PEOPLE that Presley was doing well as the tattoo removal seemed evident. He is working most days,” the source told PEOPLE.
His family has requested privacy. He explained that the tattoo represented his personal feelings. About a year after getting the tattoo, Gerber appeared to have removed the cheek ink. “He is very focused on helping his dad out to keep their restaurant going.
In 2025, he shared details about his treatment journey and efforts to stabilise his condition in an Instagram Post. He revealed that he had worked with multiple psychiatrists while trying to manage his symptoms and improve his mental health.
He also shared a matching tattoo with his sister Kaia Gerber, and previously had “Kaia XXIII” as a tribute to his sister, which was inked on his arm in 2018. He said he wanted to discuss his experiences publicly so others facing similar struggles would feel less isolated. Gerber had several tattoos, including a barbed wire design on his hand and a gun tattoo near his hip. Gerber’s openness about his struggles later became a major part of his public identity. He spoke about depression, anxiety and substance abuse while encouraging conversations about mental health.
Photos shared on his Instagram earlier that month showed the tattoo fading, suggesting he was undergoing removal treatment. Earlier reporting noted: Presley had previously spoken openly about his mental health challenges. Earlier reporting noted: The model also discussed experiencing anxiety and depression and his struggle with finding the right treatment.
Gerber Addresses Criticism Over Facial Tattoo
The tattoo on Gerber’s face has sparked significant criticism from some followers, who have questioned his choice to make such a permanent alteration. In response to this backlash, Gerber emphasized that critics do not fully comprehend his internal struggles. He stated, “You don’t know how I feel. You’re not in my head.”
