Digest

This episode of Swindled delves into the controversial history of Insane Clown Posse (ICP) and their fan base, the Juggalos. The episode begins with the murder of Michael Goucher, a young US Army veteran, and the subsequent arrest and confession of his killer, Sean Fremor. Fremor initially claimed to have acted alone but later implicated an accomplice, E.N.C. Graves, both of whom were self-described Juggalos. The episode explores the connection between the murder and ICP's violent music and lyrics, which prosecutors believed inspired the crime. The episode then traces the origins of ICP, from their childhood friendship to their disillusionment with professional wrestling and their eventual turn to hip-hop. It examines the creation of their fictional universe, the Dark Carnival, where they deliver violent justice to corrupt figures. The episode then explores the rise of controversy surrounding Juggalos, as law enforcement agencies and media outlets began noticing crimes committed by self-identified Juggalos. This led to accusations that ICP's music was inspiring criminal activity. The episode culminates with the FBI's investigation of Juggalos and their official classification as a "loosely organized hybrid gang" in 2011. This designation led to widespread discrimination and harassment of Juggalos, including profiling, stops, interrogations, and denial of employment and custody of their children. ICP, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed a lawsuit against the FBI, challenging the gang designation and arguing that it violated their civil rights. While the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, it raised public awareness about a significant civil rights issue and generated positive publicity for those involved. Juggalos were quietly excluded from future national gang threat assessment reports.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Michael Goucher and the Juggalo Connection

This episode explores the murder of Michael Goucher, a young US Army veteran, and the subsequent arrest and confession of his killer, Sean Fremor. Fremor initially claimed to have acted alone but later implicated an accomplice, E.N.C. Graves, both of whom were self-described Juggalos. The episode examines the connection between the murder and ICP's violent music and lyrics, which prosecutors believed inspired the crime.

00:11:32

The Origins of Insane Clown Posse

This chapter traces the origins of Insane Clown Posse, from their childhood friendship to their disillusionment with professional wrestling and their eventual turn to hip-hop. It examines the creation of their fictional universe, the Dark Carnival, where they deliver violent justice to corrupt figures.

00:25:15

The Rise of Controversy and the FBI's Gang Designation

This chapter explores the rise of controversy surrounding Juggalos, as law enforcement agencies and media outlets began noticing crimes committed by self-identified Juggalos. This led to accusations that ICP's music was inspiring criminal activity. The chapter culminates with the FBI's investigation of Juggalos and their official classification as a "loosely organized hybrid gang" in 2011.

00:32:19

The Consequences of the Gang Label and ICP's Lawsuit

This chapter examines the consequences of the FBI's gang designation for Juggalos, including widespread discrimination and harassment. It details ICP's lawsuit against the FBI, challenging the gang designation and arguing that it violated their civil rights.

00:47:38

The Creepy Clown Scare and the Juggalo March on Washington

This chapter explores the "creepy clown" scare of 2016 and its impact on the perception of Juggalos. It details ICP's response to the scare, organizing a march on Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about the discrimination they faced.

Keywords

Q&A

• What led to the FBI's classification of Juggalos as a gang?

  The FBI and the NGIC investigated Juggalos after noticing a rise in crimes committed by self-identified Juggalos. They determined that the group posed a real threat to society and officially classified them as a "loosely organized hybrid gang."

• What were the consequences of the FBI's gang designation for Juggalos?

  Juggalos faced discrimination and harassment from law enforcement, including profiling, stops, interrogations, and denial of employment and custody of their children.

• How did Insane Clown Posse respond to the FBI's gang designation?

  ICP, along with the ACLU, filed a lawsuit against the FBI, challenging the gang designation and arguing that it violated their civil rights. They also organized a march on Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about the discrimination they faced.

• What was the outcome of ICP's lawsuit against the FBI?

  The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, but it raised public awareness about a significant civil rights issue and generated positive publicity for those involved. Juggalos were quietly excluded from future national gang threat assessment reports.

Show Notes