Fox News
January 8, 2014
The Insane Clown Posse sued the U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday over a 2011 FBI report that describes the rap-metal duo’s devoted fans, the Juggalos, as a dangerous gang, saying the designation has tarnished their fans’ reputations and hurt business.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit in Detroit federal court on behalf of the group’s two members, Joseph Bruce, or Violent J, and Joseph Utsler, or Shaggy 2 Dope. It also names four fans as plaintiffs.
The FBI report on criminal gangs labeled the Juggalos as a “loosely organized hybrid gang.” It said those who identify as Juggalos have committed assaults and vandalism, and a “small number” of them have engaged in more serious crimes.
The lawsuit contends that the gang designation violates the fans’ free speech and due process rights.
At a news conference in Detroit, Bruce, 41, said Juggalos are like a family, not a gang. He said they have a constitutional right to listen to music without fear of harassment, and he wants Juggalos purged from the report.