Reported clown sightings affecting livelihood of professional clowns

WASHINGTON - Over the past month, you have probably heard of multiple sightings of clowns scaring people, with some reported incidents even ending with arrests. But there are professional clowns who are outraged about the impact this is having on their business.

This is no laughing matter for those who dress up as clowns for a living. One woman told FOX 5 it has been costing her some business.

But another man who goes by "Crickett" professionally said business has not dropped off for him at all. He has heard the jokes about the creepy clown sightings, but said business is still good, he is able to make this his full-time job and has been for the past 12 years. He has worked for Ringling Bros. and started working on his own several years ago.

Crickett is not afraid for his safety, but is afraid of what the creepy clown sightings are doing on a larger scale to the profession.

"A little bit to be perfectly honest," he said. "Of course whenever there is somebody crazy doing really wacky stuff, you start to think what impact it is going to have on the rest of the community at large. Fortunately, it seems like just one isolated incident kind of ballooned into this big, weird phenomenon."

Crickett said because of all the hype and hoaxes surrounding the clown sightings, he can adapt to what his customers want. If they want a little less clown makeup, he is willing to accommodate so he doesn't scare or creep anyone out.

Fortunately, he has diversified his performance and also does juggling, stilt walking and has a pirate act on the side.

Meanwhile, he hopes the creepy clown craze will eventually pass.