A closeup of Juggalo name and symbol worn by Joseph Bruce aka Violent J, a member of the Insane Clown Posse as he addresses the media in Detroit, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The rap metal group sued the U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday over a 2011 FBI report that describes the 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. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
January 08, 2014 - 8:34 AM
DETROIT - The rap-metal duo Insane Clown Posse and some fans have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department, saying their rights have been violated by a government report that classifies followers as a dangerous gang.
Insane Clown Posse fans are called Juggalos. In 2011, the FBI described them as a "loosely organized hybrid gang" in a national report on gangs.
Insane Clown Posse is Joseph Bruce, known as Violent J, and Joseph Utsler, known as Shaggy 2 Dope. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Wednesday on their behalf in Detroit federal court. Four fans are also named as plaintiffs.
Scott Gandy says he was forced to remove Insane Clown Posse tattoos to apply for the Army. The group says its fans are a family, not a gang.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014