The Insane Clown Posse, for those who might have the pleasure of not knowing, is a music group (and the writer uses that term very loosely) that has amassed a large cult of followers, often referred to as “Juggalos.” The group is known for producing music that is somewhat outlandish, to say the very least, as well as for the bizarre makeup the two front men, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, are always seen in. The group has faced much persecution in the past, mostly in the form of parents and other concerned adult figures who have demanded action and protest against the group and their scandalous, strange activities. As of late, however, they are facing a much bigger opponent; the US government.

Yes, it seems that the Insane Clown Posse and its followers have come under fire by the FBI, who labelled the group and their followers as a “loosely organized hybrid gang” in a report released back in 2011. The report mentioned that “Juggalos” had participated in vandalism and assault, with a few being guilty of “more serious” crimes. The Insane Clown Posse has not taken this act of slander made against themselves and their fans lying down, however; the rap-metal duo has decided to take action in the form of enacting a lawsuit against the FBI.

Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope filed a lawsuit against the FBI, naming four “Juggalos” as plaintiffs in the case, as well. The musicians are upset by the claim, saying that it has damaged public relations and business deals, as well as negatively effected the lives of their beloved fans. Violent J, on the topic of the lawsuit, had this to say, “It’s time for the FBI to come to its senses and recognize that Juggalos are not a gang but a worldwide family united by the love of music. There has never been — and will never be — a music fan base quite like Juggalos, and while it is easy to fear what one does not understand, discrimination and bigotry against any group of people is just plain wrong and un-American.”

Some fans have also come forward with statements regarding the case, claiming to have been harassed by police and other authority figures based on their status as “Juggalos.” Brandon Bradley, one such Juggalo, was quoted as saying, “It’s unfair that police are treating fans of ICP like criminals just because of the music we like. Even though the Juggalo community has had a positive effect on my life, now I feel I have to cover my tattoos in certain areas or risk being harassed by police. It’s wrong to make me hide who I am.”

Among all of this information and legal action, one question still remains unanswered; how on Earth did the FBI think that classifying Juggalos as gang members was a valid choice to make in the first place? Hopefully the ensuing court case will be able to answer this grand question so that our minds might be laid to rest.

Image via YouTube.