Award-winning clown says comparing Brexiteers to clowns is an insult to his profession

The Guardian letters page has peaked

An award-winning clown has written to the Guardian newspaper saying it is wrong to use his profession in connection with parliamentary and other chaotic behaviour.

Referring specifically to an article published in the newspaper titled 'Our elders are supposed to be older and wiser. But not these Brexit clowns', David Konyot said that the use of the word "circus" to denote a mess or bad behaviour was "distasteful".

"I am a prize-winning international musical clown, part of an honourable profession, and am deeply offended by the misuse and misrepresentation of “clown” in connection with parliamentary or other forms of chaotic behaviour," he added.


"Unlike the comparison the press constantly draws, a clown or indeed a circus must be orderly and efficient to work properly. And in the case of a circus, it takes teamwork – which is the opposite of the impression the press gives."

The article in question had attacked the failure of parliamentarians to reach an agreement over Brexit and the disastrous consequences EU withdrawal could have for young people.

The letter follows clowns being forced to defend their profession last year after the release of the Stephen King-adaptation IT. The movie was reported to have led to an increase in coulrophobia - a fear of clowns - causing the entertainers to experience a downturn in business.