Rodeo clown says performances won't change

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A rodeo clown has performed for the first time since a controversial State Fair rodeo act that mocked President Barack Obama.

The Jefferson City News-Tribune reported rodeo clown Tuffy Gessling hammed it up for the crowd during a pro bull riding event Friday in Jefferson County.

Beforehand, Gessling said everything has been very overwhelming and that he's surprised people took offense to the politically themed skit. It featured another clown wearing an Obama mask, while Gessling made comments -- including "We're gonna stomp Obama" -- to the crowd.

Gessling says the skit had been performed before, and that several past presidents' faces were placed in similar scenarios. Gessling had other shows scheduled between his State Fair and Jefferson City appearances, but they were canceled.

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Information from: Jefferson City News Tribune, http://www.newstribune.com