https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/sep/13/new-zealand-man-copywriter-clown-redundancy
An Auckland advertising copywriter brought a clown to his redundancy meeting, as first reported in the New Zealand Herald on Friday. New Zealand legally requires employers to allow workers the option of bringing a support person to serious disciplinary meetings, usually relating to an employee's prospective dismissal.
After FCB New Zealand lost a significant client and began layoffs, Josh Thompson, who had reportedly been with the company for five months, received an ominous email from his bosses that read: "Bad news. We're having a meeting to discuss your role."
Faced with the task of securing an appropriate support person for the potentially tense meeting, Thompson, a comedian who performs under the name Joshua Jack, said: "I thought it's best to bring in a professional, and so I paid $200 and hired a clown."
The clown, who Thompson refers to as "Joe", crafted balloon animals throughout the meeting, including a poodle. His antics were squeaky, and Thompson's bosses had to request he quieten down several times.
"It's further understood," reported the Herald, "that the clown mimed crying when the redundancy paperwork was handed over."
(Score: 4, Insightful) by Rosco P. Coltrane on Tuesday September 17 2019, @07:30PM (3 children)
The only real winner is the clown: he's $200 ahead.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday September 17 2019, @10:02PM
And the lawyer on the other side of the table.
(Score: 2) by driverless on Wednesday September 18 2019, @07:45PM (1 child)
He's more than just $200 ahead, he's making millions off being President.
Oh, sorry, wrong clown.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 25 2019, @03:36PM
http://ace.mu.nu/archives/mueller%2001.jpg [ace.mu.nu]