Eric Knudsen, the man who created the spooky fictional online character Slenderman, has expressed his sadness over the recent stabbing incident in Wisconsin and extended his condolences to the family of the 12-year-old victim.

Knudsen and creepypasta.wikia.com administrator David Morales said they have been flooded with calls and messages since the stabbing news broke out. Two girls have been charged over the weekend for stabbing a 12-year-old girl in a bid to gain Slenderman's favor and prove he really existed, according to Kansas City.

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In a statement issued via spokesman Sue Procko, Knudsen said he was "deeply saddened" by the Wisconsin tragedy and that he extends his condolences to those affected by the horrible incident. Morales, on the other hand, said in an email that their website clearly defines the Slenderman stories as fictional and that those under 13 are not allowed to use the site.

In addition, Morales said Creepypasta's administrators have not posted new Slenderman stories since 2012 because they were encouraging users to generate newer concepts. Since Knudsen published the first Slenderman photos in 2009, hundreds of writers and artists have used the faceless and tuxedo-clad character in their own horror stories.

On behalf of the Creepypasta community, Morales also expressed their condolences to the victim's family and other people involved in the case.

The two 12-year-old Wisconsin suspects have been charged as adults and are now facing a 65-year jail time for stabbing another 12-year-old girl, who is still in the hospital.

Slenderman fans have defended the horror stories, saying they have helped spark good conversations, creativity, and friendships online. Horror Writers Association vice president Lisa Morton, on the other hand, said the faceless character helps people "explore and understand" their own fears.

Longwood University professor Rhonda Brock-Servais said spooky characters that become famous reflect the "cultural anxieties" of the present world.

Tagsslenderman, creepypasta, Slendar Man, Slenderman stabbings