Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Never Trust A Comedian Or A Creepy Clown


By

Marc Yearsley

Published Mar 26, 2014

Modified Mar 26, 2014


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Marc Yearsley

Published Mar 26, 2014

Modified Mar 26, 2014


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

When news broke Monday afternoon of an evil clown terrorizing the sleepy waterfront town of Staten Island, residents and greater New Yorkers alike were both frightened and skeptical. How could this be anything but a hoax? Aren't all the clowns on Staten Island already booked for sad birthday parties at the new Dairy Queen until the end of time or SI sinks, whichever comes first?

Comedian Vic Dibitetto, who captured the clown on video last week, denies playing a part in the scam despite his affiliation with Fuzz On The Lens Productions (the production company allegedly tied to the clown). Dibitetto has this great bit where he talks about being Italian in a heavy Italian accent and how the furniture is always covered in plastic! Gabagoul.

As a helpful guide when dealing with comedians or clowns, here are the questions you must ask yourself:

Is this person a comedian?
Why?
Does this person really like stand-up comedy?
Why?
Could you reasonably expect this individual to base any part of their personal philosophical outlook on a comedy routine?
Dear God, why?
Is this person a clown?
Why?
Have you ever known a clown personally?
Why!?

Answering yes to any of these questions will compel you to explain why, and then your path forward will be clear. That path forward will most likely involve disregarding all past and future advice or arming yourself and fleeing into the woods, depending on the situation. If you encounter a clown comedian you must leave the area immediately. Do not scream, as that will agitate the creature, nor greet it, as pleasantries will be interpreted as some kind of perverse invitation to practice their routine. "So I was at this kid's birthday party..."

And now for, without a trace of nostalgia, the only scary clown that has ever mattered.

Tagged

clowns

comedians

si clown

staten island

staten island clown

trust


Marc Yearsley

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

Ever wish you could get paid to walk through a stranger’s house? ‘The Scout’ is for you.

A new film focuses on the strange career of a location scout in New York City.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Sep 26, 2026


There are 100s of places to visit during Open House New York. Here's 5 of our favorites.

See the entire lineup for the weekend when the city opens its doors.

By

Hannah Frishberg

Arts & Entertainment

There are 100s of places to visit during Open House New York. Here's 5 of our favorites.

See the entire lineup for the weekend when the city opens its doors.

By

Hannah Frishberg


A massive MTA archive ended up in a Virginia warehouse. A Brooklyn man brought it home.

By

Hannah Frishberg

How a Harry Styles pop-up in the East Village led to a nearby bookstore owner's arrest

By

Sonia Rao

NYC’s creative workers are increasingly self-employed, report says

By

Hannah Frishberg


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .