Insane Clown Posse and the American Juggalo

Wicked clown rap duo Insane Clown Posse, along with four followers known as ‘Juggalos,’ have sued the Federal Bureau of Investigation after being officially labelled a gang. The FBI deemed...
Insane Clown Posse and the American Juggalo
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  • Wicked clown rap duo Insane Clown Posse, along with four followers known as ‘Juggalos,’ have sued the Federal Bureau of Investigation after being officially labelled a gang.

    The FBI deemed that Juggalos are a “loosely organized hybrid gang” in the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment. Juggalos and Juggalettes are readily identified by specific tattoos and clothing, as well as an affinity for Faygo Cola and Insane Clown Posse music.

    The lawsuit filed in Detroit Wednesday by ICP states that, “Juggalos are a ‘family’ of people who love and help one another, enjoy one another’s company, and bond over the music and a philosophy of life. Organized crime is by no means part of the Juggalo culture.”

    Check out Sean Dunne’s documentary ‘American Juggalo’ on Vimeo (Graphic):

    ICP and the Juggalos contend that the hybrid gang designation violates constitutional rights, including free speech, freedom of association and the right to due process, and point out that some fans have been denied jobs because of the label. ICP’s complaint adds, “Among the supporters of almost any group – whether it be a band, sports team, university, political organization or religion – there will be some people who violate the law. Inevitably, some will do so while sporting the group’s logos or symbols. However, it is wrong to designate the entire group of supporters as a criminal gang based on the acts of a few. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened here.”

    ICP, who has been arguing with the FBI since 2012 over the gang label, states that Juggalos “have hopeful, life-affirming themes about the wonders of life and the support that Juggalos give to one another.”

    Aspects of ICP’s philosophy can be gleaned from 2010’s ‘Miracles’:

    The U.S. Justice Department has not yet filed any response to the Juggalo lawsuit.

    Image via Vimeo.

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