Insane Clown Posse Loses Lawsuit Against Feds, Juggalos Classified As Gang: ICP Starts Appeal

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by music group Insane Clown Posse and The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) over a 2011 Justice Department report labeling Insane Clown Posse fans, known as "Juggalos," as a gang. 

In January of 2014, Joseph "Violent J" Bruce and Joey "Shaggy 2 Dope" Utsler (who perform as ICP) together with the Michigan branch of the ACLU filed the suit, stating that Feds' designation of the Juggalos as a "hybrid gang" was "unwarranted and unlawful." ICP and company felt the label voilated their rights to freedom of expression and caused local officals to harrass Juggalos wearing jewerly, colors or any other symbols of the group. 

District Judge Robert Cleland disagreed and ruled the government isn't responsible for how police and other agencies use information in the report and stated it is "descriptive" and not "prescriptive" and therefore, doesn't break any laws. 

While the classification doesn't show up on the Feds' current gang report, the 2011 document is still used by some law enforcement agencies. It states that "transient, criminal Juggalo groups pose a threat to communities due to the potential for violence, drug use/sales, and their general destructive and violent nature." The FBI stated in their defense that only a small amount (a "subset") of Juggalos were outed as gang members, and not the entire fan base. 

The ICP and ACLU are appealing the dismissal of the lawsuit. ICP member Violent J said, "This is not the end-we'll keep fighting to clear the Juggalo family name." 

via Time.com