The professional clowning industry is seeing a decline in work opportunities due to, they say, the reboot of Stephen King's classic horror story, "It."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, World Clown Association President Pam Moody says the association was "blindsided" last year by evil clown sightings, and continues to take a hit due to the "scary clown" business.

"People had school shows and library shows that were canceled," said Moody. "That's very unfortunate. The very public we're trying to deliver positive and important messages to aren't getting them."

Moody says the tendency to be afraid of clowns all started with the original "It." She notes the story introduced the concept of the science-fiction character.

Stephen King has responded to the criticism by tweeting, "The clowns are pi**ed at me. Sorry, most are great. BUT... kids have always been scared of clowns. Don't kill the messengers for the message."