"Killer clowns" refer to a popular urban legend and cultural phenomenon involving clowns who commit violent acts. This concept has been depicted in various forms of media, including movies like It and Killer Klowns from Outer Space. The idea often evokes fear and anxiety, particularly among those with a fear of clowns, known as coulrophobia. The "killer clown" trope gained significant attention during the 2016 clown sightings in the United States, where individuals dressed as clowns were reported lurking in public spaces, causing panic. While most incidents were harmless pranks, they contributed to the ongoing fascination and fear surrounding the idea of clowns as sinister figures.