World of the Bizarre

'Creepy clown' attacks prompt ban in France

By T.K. Randall
October 31, 2014

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) What started out as a juvenile prank has since become a serious public safety concern in some parts of the world.

The 'creepy clown' phenomenon has typically involved someone dressing up as a clown and standing around outside while staring at passers by in an effort to freak them out.

Now however some pranksters have taken to wielding weapons and attacking people while dressed up in their circus attire.The problem has got so bad in the southern French town of Montpellier that authorities have implemented a blanket ban on dressing up as a clown for anyone over the age of 12.

The decision was made following a spate of assaults as well as reports from concerned members of the public of clowns standing outside local schools and next to roads.

"It's about protecting children by preventing any ill-intentioned clowns from mixing with residents," said town official Bruno Giraudo.

Source: Sky News

Tags: Clowns, France