Rihanna has caused an ink stink in New York after she was caught moonlighting as a tattoo artist.

The singer was spotted wielding a needle in Manhattan parlour East Side Ink on Wednesday night, and website TMZ.com reports that she etched umbrella designs and the letter R on three resident artists.

The session could end up costing her dear because tattooists need a license to hold a needle in New York.

Lawmakers tell the website Rihanna could be fined almost $2,000 for the three misdemeanor offenses.

A New York City Health Department Spokesperson says, "Only licensed tattoo artists can administer tattoos in the city according to the City's Health Code. We are sending someone down to follow up on this."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)