[WorldUrbanLegend] 2016 clown sightings
The 2016 clown sighting incidents occurred in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where individuals dressed as creepy clowns were spotted in unusual places like forests and schools. The phenomenon began in August 2016 in Green Bay, Michigan, and was later revealed to be a marketing stunt for a horror movie. By mid-October, similar sightings had spread across nearly every state in the U.S., nine provinces in Canada, and 18 other countries.
Even before the 2016 events, there had been several sightings of clowns in bizarre locations since 2013. One notable case was the "creepy clown" sighting in Northampton, England, which was a prank by local filmmakers. In 2014, an Italian YouTuber dressed as a scary clown and surprised people in a series of popular videos.
The 2016 sightings escalated, with reports of clowns attempting to lure children in Greenville, South Carolina. Social media played a significant role in spreading these incidents, leading to 12 arrests and one fatality across the U.S. The situation put pressure on police resources and caused widespread panic in many communities.
Warnings about the incidents were issued by the Russian Embassy and Fijian police, and clown costume sales were halted in several countries. With Halloween approaching, some areas even encouraged residents to avoid clown costumes. This phenomenon gave rise to rumors of a "clown purge," although no major violent incidents occurred.
