The trend of people having support animals seems to have reached some interesting proportions, as recent reports indicate that a man from New Zealand decided to bring in an emotional support clown to a meeting that was likely going to result in his firing.
The Auckland copywriter Joshua Jack, also known as Josh Thompson, had reportedly paid $200 for the clown’s services, and decided to hire the comedy professional after receiving an e-mail from his employer telling him that he was scheduled for a meeting to “discuss his role.”
Thompson noted that the e-mail stated he was allowed to bring a support person, and he decided to take advantage of that.
It did not take long for the story to go viral, as many people took pictures of the ridiculous-looking meeting, which was apparently with a somber tone, despite the clown’s presence in the room.
Thompson was apparently right with his suspicions, as the meeting did conclude with his dismissal. However, he does not seem too affected by the situation and has just decided to lighten up the mood.
According to Thompson, the meeting went through without many interruptions, minus for the occasional incident when the clown had to be told to be quieter while he was twisting animal balloons.
Thompson claims that he strongly recommended the clown’s services for others in his position, although some are hoping, his antics will not result in other companies choosing to ban the idea of support people attending meetings of this type, judging by the response the story has gotten.
Talking to local media, Thompson explained that he $200 to have the clown join him at the redundancy meeting where he made two balloon animals very slowly.
Thompson said: “It did talk about being able to bring a support person. I thought it’s either a promotion or worse. I thought it was best to bring in a professional — so I paid $200 and hired a clown.”
He went on to say: “It was sort of noisy, him making balloon animals, so we did have to tell him to be quiet from time to time. He was $200, so basically he was, I assume, one of the best clowns in Auckland. I definitely recommend bringing Joe or another clown. Highly recommended.”
Thompson revealed this is how his bosses at the advertising company reacted to the unexpected situation: “I mean he was one of the best clowns in all Auckland, so they were getting something of a free service.”
As for the clown, ”he thought it was a touch unusual, but he was willing to do it.”
Thompson, who is also an aspirant comedian, has reportedly found a new job and is using the incident to build a stronger profile online.
Since support animals are on the rise, new guidelines for renters, employers, and airports are being put in place accross the country.
