OFF THE WIRE
By DAVID LEE
(CN) - The Insane Clown Posse claims an FBI report unfairly categorized its fans, known as Juggalos, as a criminal gang.
For more entertainment news, click here to check out Courthouse News' Entertainment Law Digest. In response, the Detroit-based rap duo set up a website asking its fans to report if they or anyone they know "have suffered any negative consequence" from any law enforcement agency because of being a Juggalo.
The FBI's "2011 National Gang Threat Assessment - Emerging Trends" describes the Juggalos as "a loosely organized hybrid gang" that engages in "sporadic, disorganized, individualistic, and often involve simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty theft, and vandalism."
The Insane Clown Posse asked its fans to help gather information for a lawsuit.
The Posse wrote on its JuggalosFightBack website: "On behalf of the Juggalos, the Insane Clown Posse and Psychopathic Records are investigating a possible lawsuit against the FBI or other governmental agencies that have violated the rights of Juggalos on the mistaken belief that they are 'gang members.'
"If you or someone you know have suffered any negative consequence with a governmental representative, including law enforcement, border patrol, airline security, or other local, state or federal governmental agency or employee as a result of your status as a Juggalo, we want to know about it."
A search of "Juggalo" in the FBI report turned up a photo of a gun-wielding woman with a clown face, and this statement: "The Juggalos, a loosely organized hybrid gang, are rapidly expanding into many US communities. Although recognized as a gang in only four states, many Juggalos subsets exhibit gang-like behavior and engage in criminal activity and violence. Law enforcement officials in at least 21 states have identified criminal Juggalo sub-sets, according to NGIC reporting."
The FBI report claims a suspected Juggalo shot a Washington couple in January 2011 and two Juggalo associates were indicted in January 2010 in the beating and robbing a homeless man.
The Insane Clown Posse told its fans: "We want to show our appreciation and support for our fans and we are prepared to assist you in learning about your legal rights and to fight for you in court, if possible. "Please take the time to fill out the questionnaire so we can keep apprised of this situation and assist you in getting the legal help that you deserve as a Juggalo."