Clowns Don't Like the Creepy 'American Horror Story' Killer Clown

"American Horror Story" premiered to record-breaking ratings last week, but there's one group that isn't a fan of the new season: clowns.

Clowns of America International, a group representing the interests of professional clowns across the country, has a bone to pick with the way clowns are being portrayed in "American Horror Story: Freak Show." Specifically, they don't like the way there's a terrifying serial killer clown going around and stabbing people.

"We do not support in any way, shape or form any medium that sensationalizes or adds to coulrophobia or 'clown fear,' " says Glenn Kohlberger, president of Clowns of America International.

Coulrophobia is the official name for the irrational fear of clowns, and it's a phobia that is the bane of any professional clown's existence. The problem gets particularly tough around the Halloween months, what with Hollywood's history of using creepy clown imagery in movies like "It."

Then there's the fact that people have been dressing as creepy clowns and milling about towns in order to scare residents. They don't do anything to harrass people, but that doesn't make it any less unsettling to see a clown lurking in the shadows. That trend started in England, but similar stunts recently occurred in California.

Of course, "American Horror Story" isn't going to change anything or make Twisty any less terrifying now. On the plus side for the CAI, the "Freak Show" setting will be done as of the end of this season, and clowns aren't likely to be a focus in future seasons.