Music Store Pulls INSANE CLOWN POSSE CDs After Suicide

November 4, 2003

A music store temporarily pulled the music and other items produced by the shock rap/metal group INSANE CLOWN POSSE following the suicide of a Wyoming teenager, according to the Associated Press.

The parents of the teenager don't blame INSANE CLOWN POSSE, but say the group's music did not help either.

Jessica Bartlett at the FYE music store in Cheyenne said four customers complained after INSANE CLOWN POSSE items were pulled from the store temporarily. Merchandise included wallets, CDs, T-shirts and stickers.

One fan of the group, Chris Ramsay, 23, of Cheyenne, is a self-described Juggalo, a name INSANE CLOWN POSSE member Violent J has given to male fans.

"Who are they to tell me what I can and can't listen to?" he asked. "I'm 23. I can choose what I listen to."

INSANE CLOWN POSSE's songs have violent lyrics peppered with expletives. They offer graphic images of murder and violence against others and lash out against society.

Ramsay said the music is vulgar and is not for everyone, but he said he and others listen to the music without violent consequences.

Howard and Mari Fochtman, of Casper, are the parents of the teen who committed suicide last month.

They have expressed concern about what they regard as the group's deeply negative message. They worry that the lyrics encourage listeners to believe no one cares about them except other INSANE CLOWN POSSE followers.

Fochtman said INSANE CLOWN POSSE did not kill his son.

"I won't stand for somebody saying I said that," he said. "But it did not do him any good."

Fochtman said he believes the rap duo's music and lyrics was a catalyst and other parents should be aware of the group.

Ms. Fochtman said that while INSANE CLOWN POSSE comes across in photographs as clownish and non-threatening, its lyrics are foul and refer to murder and suicide and violence.

Both parents said it's amazing that a 17-year-old can't watch R-rated movies but a 10- or 11-year-old can buy merchandise like that sold by INSANE CLOWN POSSE.

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