About this episode
In this emergency roundtable report, we discuss how clownery has become a dominant mode of aesthetic and ideological expression, perhaps symbolizing the defeat of authenticity. Recent carnivalesque incidents include the chaotic spectacle of this year’s VMAs, the meteoric rise of the Savannah Bananas, Jay Guapo’s Italian Brainrot Block Party, the political role reversal of the troll and the triggered, Audrey Hobert’s debut album Who’s the Clown, and more. Links: Top Clown Town outfits at the VMAs: Conan Gray in Erik Charlotte, Megan Stalter as hot dog vendor, Doja Cat in Balmain, Ariana Grande’s outfit changes, Sabrina Carpenter in ValentinoSabrina Carpenter Performs “Tears” | 2025 Video Music Awards“I need to see you spin first, sista” from Sex and the City S4 E18Chappell Roan Performs “Pink Pony Club” (Live From The 67th Grammy Awards)“Chappell Roan on the Queer Origins of her Signature Makeup Look” – Gay TimesFlash Mob! The Savannah Bananas Crash The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon“As Savannah Bananas ursue ‘a billion fans,’ are they real competition for MLB?” – The New York TimesJay Guapo’s Brainrot Block Party
