In 2011, an FBI report classified Insane Clown Posse's fans, better known as juggalos, as a "loosely organized hybrid gang." Ever since then, the group's Shaggy 2 Dope and Violent J have been working tirelessly to have the designation reversed.
Unfortunately, it looks as if their journey has come to an end without the answer they were looking for. Despite claims the designation was leading to increased juggalo harassment from police, an appeal to have that designation removed has now be denied.
According to the Associated Press the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday (December 18) that the report has no direct legal consequences. Further, the court ruled that the Justice Department isn't responsible for how police agencies use information from annual FBI reports.
Speaking with Exclaim! last year, Shaggy 2 Dope expressed his frustration with the gang designation.
"So basically they're saying we're a gang like the Crips or Bloods or MS-13, you know?" he said. "It's a shame, though. Some 15-year-old kid who lives in the sticks, just because he has a Psychopathic [Records] shirt? He's not in a fucking gang. Get outta here, you know. Just the whole thought of it is so crazy. It doesn't seem real.... It's just fucking amazing to me how stupid it is."
The American Civil Liberties Union had been representing juggalos in the case and, in response to losing the appeal, said the court "let the FBI off the hook."
Unfortunately, it looks as if their journey has come to an end without the answer they were looking for. Despite claims the designation was leading to increased juggalo harassment from police, an appeal to have that designation removed has now be denied.
According to the Associated Press the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday (December 18) that the report has no direct legal consequences. Further, the court ruled that the Justice Department isn't responsible for how police agencies use information from annual FBI reports.
Speaking with Exclaim! last year, Shaggy 2 Dope expressed his frustration with the gang designation.
"So basically they're saying we're a gang like the Crips or Bloods or MS-13, you know?" he said. "It's a shame, though. Some 15-year-old kid who lives in the sticks, just because he has a Psychopathic [Records] shirt? He's not in a fucking gang. Get outta here, you know. Just the whole thought of it is so crazy. It doesn't seem real.... It's just fucking amazing to me how stupid it is."
The American Civil Liberties Union had been representing juggalos in the case and, in response to losing the appeal, said the court "let the FBI off the hook."
