I used to believe that clowns were a new monster archetype, like vampires and werewolves -- based on a common fear, then gradually drifting down the scary-to-horny pipeline.
I have updated my beliefs.
Clowns and monsters have always coexisted, for they share a common goal: mockery of the ultra-wealthy. The white-faced, tailored, wig-wearing stereotype is a retro clown, a parody of the ultra-wealthy of a bygone era (except for orange man, who still looks like a retro clown somehow).
As the elites evolve, so too do the clowns, with remarkable agility. Stephen Colbert is a republican-clown. Jerma is an influencer-clown (also a Reverse Cryptid), Dril is... the clown version of whatever musk is trying to be, I guess. Clowns are the protectors of comedy, and they always punch up.