Teresa Matthews calls herself a "Juggalo". What is that?
"It is a fan of anything Psychopathic Records related."
However, the FBI is calling her a gang member. Her love for the Detroit-area underground music group Insane Clown Posse has landed Matthews and thousands like her a spot on the FBI's 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment list.
ICP concerts could now be considered gang rallies. The FBI says a subset of Juggalos are dangerous with crimes escalating to felonious assaults, thefts and robberies, and they're growing and organizing across the country, including right here in Michigan.
ICP addressed the issue at a recent concert.
"They're telling you that if you listen to this music and you support this music, you are going to be committing a crime in our eyes. This is the government's way of telling us what you can listen to, what you can wear," said a band member.
Hatchet Wear along with Juggalo or Psychopathic Records clothing and tattoos could now be considered gang paraphernalia.
"I have a sticker on my van. If I was to get pulled over for speeding, something simple, they could see that, see that it's on the gang list from the FBI and probably put me in federal prison or something, and I have four children," Matthews said.
She doesn't have an ICP tattoo, but said now she might get one because calling her a gang member can be summed up in one word.
"Ridiculous."
ICP and Psychopathic Records are fighting back, suing the FBI to take Juggalos off the national gang list. They've launched a website called "Juggalos Fight Back" and asking fans who have had a recent run in with the law to fill out a questionnaire.
However, the group has already lost money. Their clothing line has been dropped from Hot Topic. It's an uphill battle.
"Even get insurance on the building, the cost is through the roof because who the [expletive] is going to insure 1,500 gang members to have a party in their club," the band member said.
The Insane Clown Posse was not in town for an on camera comment. Right now, they're wrapping up their "Gathering of the Juggalos" event that they have every year, but they will have a comment Tuesday night at their album release party in Pontiac.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:12:48 GMT
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Thursday, May 9 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-09 20:54:33 GMT
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
