Legal

Insane Clown Posse sue FBI over fanbase’s gang classification

By | Published on Thursday 27 September 2012

Insane Clown Posse

Insane Clown Posse have told their fans that they have now begun legal action against the FBI over the bureau’s decision to add the hip hop duo’s fans, dubbed ‘Juggalos’, to its National Gang Threat Assessment list.

As previously reported, the FBI said in its gang report last year: “The Juggalos, a loosely-organised hybrid gang, are rapidly expanding into many US communities. Although recognised as a gang in only four states, many Juggalo subsets exhibit gang-like behaviour and engage in criminal activity and violence – law enforcement officials in at least 21 states have identified criminal Juggalo subsets”.

The Posse announced in August that they were considering taking legal action against the FBI for branding their fanbase a gang threat, and asked any fans who had suffered because of the gang classification to come forward with information.

And now, in a posting on their website, the outfit has confirmed litigation has begun. The post says: “Hertz Schram PC, by Howard Hertz and Elizabeth Thomson, on behalf of Insane Clown Posse and [their label] Psychopathic Records, has filed suit against the FBI in the US District Court for the Eastern District Of Michigan, alleging the FBI’s violation of the Freedom Of Information Act for its failure to produce any documentary evidence in support of the FBI’s classification of the groups’ fanbase, the Juggalos, as a gang in the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment: Emerging Trends”.

The post adds: “Really, this is the first time in the history of rock n roll that any music fans have been labeled as a ‘gang’ and that’s probably because it makes no damn sense! But no matter how fuckin cracked out it is there have still been a lot of ‘Ninjas’ [fans] who have been gettin shit for their Insane Clown Posse apparel, tattoos, and for showing support. That’s what happens when music fans are lumped in with the Aryan Brotherhood, Bloods, Crips, and the Latin Kings. Juggalos are fans of music – not hardened, organised gang members! And that is why the Insane Clown Posse, Psychopathic Records, and their legal team are fighting for YOU!”



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