Download Our App

A clown won a lawsuit against the South African edition of men's magazine FHM after the publication printed his picture with a report likening jesters to cross-dressing drug addicts.


FHM used in its December 2007 issue a stock image of Puddles the Clown alongside an article branding clowns "grown men with long-term tik (drug) habits, dressed like transvestites from hell".

A South African court found the magazine had used the picture "intentionally and maliciously", reported the Cape Times on Thursday.

It granted Puddles, whose real name is Norman Pudney, 60,000 rands ($6,000, 4,600 euro) in damages.

His lawyer argued the photo alone was not defamatory, but may have portrayed the children's performer in a bad light in the context.

Report typos and corrections to corrections@rawstory.com.

For customer support contact support@rawstory.com.

Top Stories Recommended For You

YOUR OPINION MATTERS

Do you think Donald Trump will cost Republicans the midterm elections?

VOTE NOW
Do you think Donald Trump will cost Republicans the midterm elections?