“Black Ink Crew: Chicago” viewers weren’t too sure about how to feel after 9MAG owner Ryan Henry handed over his old shop to his friend Van Johnson.
Henry and Johnson have quite a complicated history. The duo feuded during season 3 and season 4 after Johnson accused Henry of letting fame from the reality television show go to his head. The pair eventually made up at some point when the show was on hiatus after season 4.
“I DO NOT HAVE BAD BLOOD WITH RYAN HIS FAMILY OR FRIENDS,” Johnson wrote in May 2018. “I ONLY WANT THE BEST FOR LOYAL INK AND 9MAG.”
But that was short-lived after the longtime friends almost fought during season 5’s first episode. However, after years of beefing, Henry and Johnson called a truce, with Johnson apologizing for his part in their rivalry.
“I hate that its gotten to this point with me and you,” Johnson vocalized to Henry. “I have to say whatever I said about you, but I said it and [I] apologize to you. I love you. … I appreciate you hearing me out. … I forgive you and hopefully you forgive me.”
Van Johnson (left) and Ryan Henry. (Photos: VH1 screenshots)
Both Henry and Johnson have been on good terms since mending their friendship, and in the March 6 episode Henry had a big surprise in store for the 9MAG employee. The shop owner felt it was time to move on to bigger opportunities after working at his 9MAG shop for almost 10 years. Therefore, Henry opened up a second 9MAG location and hired a completely new staff.
His employees Don Brumfield, Phor Brumfield, Charmaine Walker, Junior Diaz, and Johnson were confused by Henry’s decision and thought they were out of a job. Henry, on the other hand, surprised Johnson by making him the store manager of the old 9MAG shop.
Viewers were shocked that Henry left Johnson in charge of the 9MAG shop after their years of feuding. Some even called Henry a “flip-flopper.”
“Should at least gave it to Don. Van already has another tattoo shop, but then again Ryan is a flip flopper 💯.”
“Why not Don, Van got anger issues. Ryan kinda blew me with this one.”
“Bugging I would of left it to Phor smh he the only one in there with common sense.”
Other fans congratulated Johnson and felt he deserved the shop.
“Van is the next most passionate about 9Mag it’s rightfully his turn 💜🙌😘.”
“Van Gets Crazy But I Def Would Leave My Shop To Him 💯 @vanjohnsonofficial 🙏🏾.”
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