The Clown Sightings of 2016
In 2016, reports of sinister clowns lurking in woods spread from South Carolina across the world.
What was reported
In August 2016, residents of an apartment complex near Greenville, South Carolina, reported clowns trying to lure children into the woods. Within weeks, reports of menacing clowns spread across the United States, and then to Canada, Britain, Australia and elsewhere.
Some schools were locked down after threats on social media, and a number of people were arrested for false reports or for frightening others while dressed as clowns.
Explanations offered
Police found no evidence for most of the early sightings. Researchers describe it as a social panic spread by social media, copycat pranksters and news coverage, drawing on a widespread fear of clowns.
- When
- August 2016
- Where
- Greenville, South Carolina, USA
- Witnesses
- Residents, schools and police in many countries
- Status
- Mostly explained
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.