October 25, 2016
A delivery service known for bringing munchies right to your doorstep is nixing its offer of clown accessories after complaints.
GoPuff, founded by former Drexel University roommates Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev, launched a Halloween-themed category last week that includes fake blood, a fog machine and other trick-or-treat accessories that the company delivers to your residence.
The service said Tuesday it was pulling clown costumes and masks from the category after receiving a number of phone calls and emails citing concern for public safety.
Over the past few months, reports of people dressed as creepy clowns in apparent attempts to frighten people have popped up across the country.
In Philadelphia, clown social media accounts made threats against local schools, and similar threats made in South Jersey and Bucks County led to charges against teenage students.
Gola and Ilishayev apologized for including the items after pulling them from their inventory Monday night.
GoPuff launched in October 2013 and offers a variety of snacks and drinks to customers through an app in 11 areas, including Philadelphia and Manayunk.
The company said that, overall, its sales had jumped since launching the Halloween category.
