We Think We Know Why There Is a Creepy Clown Walking Around Staten Island

Images of a creepy clown carrying balloons around New York City's Staten Island have surfaced on social media in the past week — but new evidence suggests it maybe part of a viral stunt for a film company.

A mysterious clown has been terrifying New Yorkers over the past few weeks. (Image source: Vin Innocente via Instagram)

Over the past week, images of a mysterious — yet terrifying — clown have popped up online, sending chills down the spines of local residents.

"The fact that there's some [expletive] dressing as a clown and roaming around Staten Island has me never wanting to leave my house," wrote Twitter user @LisaCattt.

"So I'm not cool with this Staten Island clown thing that's developing at the moment," echoed @NEXGENERATION.

[sharequote align="center"]"So I'm not cool with this Staten Island clown thing that's developing at the moment."[/sharequote]

But, according to the New York Post, the individuals who initially sparked the viral phenomenon are all tied to a borough-based horror film company.

Those men are the same individuals that posted photos and video online claiming to be "freaked" out by the clown.

Vic Dibitetto, who posted one of the videos, was heavily involved in project for the Lens production company, the Post reported.

Michael Leavy, who reportedly is a filmmaker for the company, posted an image two weeks ago with this caption: “OK, so I’m a little freaked out right now. I was driving home from Buffalo Wild Wings and saw this waving at me."

Robert Privitera, who also reportedly worked for the company, posted about a supposedly random sighting as well.

“I’m driving home from the gym and this is what I see!” he wrote. “Guess who ain’t sleeping tonight.”

According to the Post, however, the clown continues to wander Staten Island, horrifying New Yorkers.

—

Follow Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) on Twitter