The Goblin Council of Elders has dropped its rebrand as the "Goblin Clowncil" after the International Clown Association (ICA) threatened legal action for cultural appropriation and trademark infringement.
"We were trying to inject a bit of fun into our otherwise serious proceedings," said a flustered Elder Gnarltooth, hastily removing his oversized shoes and rainbow wig. "It seems our well-intentioned prank was not well received by the clown community."
The ICA's strongly worded cease-and-desist letter demanded the Council stop using the name "Clowncil" and all associated imagery, including oversized shoes, red noses and squirting flowers. It threatened to unleash a horde of angry clowns on Mudwick Isle if its demands were not met.
Facing a clown invasion and the prospect of a very messy pie fight, the Council capitulated at once, with a groveling apology and a promise never again to infringe on the sacred traditions of clowning.
"We deeply regret any offense," whimpered Elder Fungella, scrubbing off her clown makeup with a fermented mushroom. "We meant no disrespect to the noble art of clowning. We were trying to, well, I'm not sure what we were trying to do, to be honest."
GNN, in a hastily edited broadcast, announced the return to the Council's original name and apologized to the clown community on its behalf. "We hope this unfortunate incident will not damage our relationship with the clowns," said the anchor, eyeing a suspiciously large pie that had appeared on his desk.
