Clowns. for the past two centuries, these jolly jesters have delighted the masses. With their wild makeup, goofy outfits, and crazy antics, a clown is always prepared to turn frowns upside down. For years, men and women have donned the mantle of the clown always in pursuit of the same goal.
Make people laugh.
However, not all are receptive to clowns. Many find them unnerving, even terrifying. The uncanny makeup and the perpetual smiles suggest a falseness in their sincerity. This perception has led to the image of the “monster clown” in pop culture, fueling more distrust in the public’s consciousness towards clowns. Of course, such nonsense is hardly warranted, for there is a more terrifying facet of clowns that the public is largely ignorant of.
Clownification is the scientific term for when a normal human is forcibly turned into a clown. Over the past 20 years, 1500 cases of missing people in the United States have reappeared as clowns, either working at circuses, talent agencies, or freelance. The exact cause of what jumpstarts the metamorphosis varies and details on the process are unclear. Is it a disease? A condition? Most importantly, can it be reversed?
Skeptical? Then allow me to recount the case of one, Diane Chamberfield, who vanished on the night of May 6th, 2008. Diane was of 17 years, a model student of Louisville High School, and had just been accepted into Yale. She was well-loved by the community and especially close to her father, who raised her as a single parent. That afternoon, she asked her dad if she could go to the circus with her boyfriend, Marty Foreman. He had no problem with it so long as they were back by 8. Diane agreed, kissed her father goodbye, and went out the door.
That was the last time he ever saw her.
A massive investigation went underway. Search parties were sent, witnesses were questioned and the entire circus was practically turned upside down. Suspicion immediately fell on her boyfriend, who managed to return home safe and sound the previous night. Marty pleaded his innocence and testified that Diane’s behavior grew increasingly strange as the night went on.
“Everything was normal until one of the clowns handed us these 2 red noses. He told us to put them on just as the first act started, saying it would liven up the show. We did so and soon after, Diane just started acting...weird. Like she was on drugs or something. She wouldn’t stop giggling, she kept honking her red nose and she just kept on...smiling the whole time. I asked if she was on something and she just started laughing at me hysterically. It was freaky...”
Marty’s story was met with skepticism and the police were all but ready to take him in until he suddenly vanished on the night of May 12th. His parents had no explanation or any clue as to where he went but they noted his behavior as “highly unusual” the night before.
“All he did was giggle to himself and smile the rest of the evening. I asked him if something was wrong and he just said he felt funny...”
After Marty’s disappearance, the case went cold. Soon enough the circus left town and life went on. Though the case remained open, optimism began to falter, and tragically, Diane’s father would pass away three years later in a car crash, never learning the fate of his daughter. It wouldn’t be until a whole eight years later would the mystery finally be solved. Ironically, when the very same circus returned to town...
On June 4th, 2016, an old friend of Diane's, one Rebecca Green, was with her son at the circus watching the opening act. A clown duo, the two put on a spectacular show, leaving the audience in stitches. Rebecca however could not enjoy the spectacle for they both looked oddly familiar... but she couldn’t put her finger on it. It was only after the show ended and they approached them for autographs did it finally hit her.
It was Diane and Marty!
The two clowns however just laughed. Yeah, she was Diane and he was Marty but their last names weren’t Chamberfield or Foreman! No, no they were Diane Dotters and Marty Morie! Husband and wife team! They’ve been with the circus since they were kids and grew up on the circuit. Both were orphans and had no memory of any parents. The circus was their family they insisted! Rebecca was unconvinced and contacted the police. Despite the clowns' insistence, they were investigated and forced to undergo a DNA test. The test proved they were 100% matches for Diane Chamberfield and Marty Foreman. Though the mystery was finally solved, both resolved to stay with the circus as it’s what they enjoyed. The two currently have a daughter though details on her are scarce...
There you have it. Certainly not the ending most were hoping for. Still, it's a matter worth investigating. What causes this strange phenomenon? What do the victims feel? Is the process painful?
Such questions need answers.
Come, share a story if you would. With your help, we might solve this mystery.