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Phantom Clown Waves
Clowns trying to lure children. Reports sweep across America in waves. 1981. 2016. Few arrests. Few confirmed sightings. Mass hysteria—or something more sinister hiding behind the greasepaint?
1981 - Present
United States
1000+ witnesses
Phantom clown sightings are waves of reports of people dressed as clowns engaging in menacing behavior, particularly toward children.
The Waves
According to documented accounts:
Multiple waves have occurred:
- 1981: Boston area, first major wave
- 1991: Various locations
- 2016: Massive nationwide wave
- Reports continue sporadically
The 1981 Wave
In Boston:
- Reports of clowns in vans
- Trying to lure children
- Schools sent warnings
- Police investigated
- No clowns were ever found
The 2016 Wave
A massive outbreak:
- Started in South Carolina
- Spread across the entire US
- International reports followed
- Actual clown sightings occurred
- Arrests were made
- Many reports were hoaxes
The Pattern
Reports typically describe:
- Clowns near schools
- Clowns in woods
- Clowns trying to lure children
- Menacing but not attacking
- Usually at night
Analysis
Experts suggest:
- Social contagion spreads reports
- Media amplifies fear
- Some real incidents occur
- Most reports are unfounded
- Coulrophobia (fear of clowns) plays a role
Cultural Impact
The waves have influenced:
- Fear of clowns (coulrophobia)
- Horror media
- Halloween concerns
- School safety policies