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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:58:19 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
