What's with the creepy clown sightings?

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Recent sightings of clowns at two Greenville, South Carolina apartment complexes have led to international media coverage, but the sightings are not the first of this type, and one theory is that the latest ones could be connected to promotion for an upcoming film.

Clowns have allegedly been spotted over the past two weeks at Emerald Commons and at Fleetwood Manor. Both children and adults have reported seeing clowns near wooded areas.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Department has investigated and increased patrols in those areas, but deputies said they have not seen anyone in clown clothing.

via GIPHY

One theory about the sightings is that they could be connected with marketing for the upcoming Rob Zombie film "31," set to open in select theaters on September 1.

The promotional poster is a scary clown in whiteface makeup that looks similar to images being shared on social media.

Read more about this story here.