Clowns vs. clowns: Professional believes viral craze will damage business

CTV Atlantic: Clowns vs. Clowns A professional clown in Cape Breton fears the creepy clown crazy will be bad for business. CTV's Kyle Moore has more.

Professional clowns are fighting back against an online craze sweeping across North America.

For decades, Dale Rancourt, better known as Klutzy the Clown, has been entertaining children in Cape Breton. But he now worries that the incidents are giving clowns a bad name, resulting in a drop in business.

“They've banned clown costumes at some places during Halloween this year. It's too bad because a lot of kids love clowns,” said Klutzy.

The current frenzy surrounding creepy clowns has led to countless reports of children and adults being terrorized by strangers in full costume.

It's a craze that doesn't sit well with Klutzy and his helpers.

“I was very worried because Klutzy is a good guy,” said his assistant, Rosalee Erickson. “It seems like people are trying to ruin the fact of that. It's affecting him, but he's a good guy, good clown and good at what he does.”

Klutzy says he's well aware not everyone finds his character endearing.

“We really don't understand human behavior. Why do some people love me and some people hate me? All I'm trying to do is have a great life, share some smiles with people who really deserve them.”

Local police don't find it funny, either. Officers in Sydney and across the Maritimes have had to deal with clown-related threats directed at students and staff of several middle and high schools in the region.

With Halloween quickly approaching, Kluzty says parents are far less likely to dress their children in a classic clown costume, effectively putting a black mark on what's generally been a pretty noble profession.

Despite the recent paranoia, Klutzy refuses to be a sad clown and says there something positive about all of this. An optical company in Sydney is planning a commercial with him in it.

“Klutzy's message is there's no clowning around when it comes to eye maintenance,” he said. “I guess I always look for the positive.”

At Klutzy's fun house, some parents aren't bothered by the creepy clowns, and didn't think twice about attending one of his birthday parties.

“I don't think she's aware that other situation and I don't want her to be aware of that situation,” said parent John Barry.

A sentiment shared by Dale Rancourt, who's banking on two decades of good will and smiles to put a better face on a proud profession.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.