Fan Backlash Leads ‘Gathering of the Juggalos’ to Seemingly Remove Band Over Frontman’s Lewd Acts With Minor Charges

The 25th Anniversary of the Gathering of the Juggalos — an annual multi-day festival organized by Insane Clown Posse featuring live music, wrestling, comedy, and carnival-style attractions — was set to kick off Wednesday with Worldwide Panic opening the ‘Iconic Stage.’ However, the band has since been quietly removed from the lineup following intense backlash from fans and other performers.

The controversy centers around frontman Layne Steele, who was arrested over a decade ago for attempting to meet with a 14-year-old girl for lewd acts while fronting his former death metal band Kauze. Once these charges resurfaced online, attendees voiced strong opposition, with some threatening to throw objects — including stones and even feces, a long-standing but infamous “tradition” at the festival used to express displeasure toward unwanted performers.

Since the backlash began, Worldwide Panic has deleted all mentions of their scheduled performance from their social media, the festival’s official website has removed them from its lineup, and the band has blocked The Mosh Network on Facebook.

While printed and digital schedules still list the band, those are not typically updated immediately after changes. At this time, no official statements have been made by Worldwide Panic or Gathering of the Juggalos organizers. It remains unclear whether the band will attempt to perform or if their set has been officially canceled.

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