Insane Clown Posse Lost Its Lawsuit Against The FBI

The FBI can continue to classify Juggalos as "criminal gang members."

A lawsuit filed by rap-metal duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, claiming that the FBI's decision to classify fans of the band (Juggalos) as "criminal gang members" is "unwarranted and unlawful," has been dismissed.

Last week, Detroit federal Judge Robert Cleland said that the government is not responsible for the local police agencies that use the 2011 report to label Juggalos as "criminal gang members," the Associated Press reports.

The FBI report classifies the Juggalos as a "loosely organized hybrid gang." Juggalos say their reputations have suffered because of the classification. The lawsuit read:

Among the supporters of almost any group — whether it be a band, sports team, university, political organization or religion — there will be some people who violate the law. However, it is wrong to designate the entire group of supporters as a criminal gang based on the acts of a few. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened here.

ICP consists of Joseph Bruce, known as Violent J, and Joseph Utsler, aka Shaggy 2 Dope. Both ICP and the ACLU say they will appeal the decision.

"This is not the end. We'll keep fighting to clear the Juggalo family name," said Violent J in a statement released by the ACLU. "While it is easy to fear what one does not understand, discrimination and bigotry against any group of people is just plain wrong and un-American."

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