The Joker made an unusual appearance in a Tennessee delivery room on Halloween, helping bring a baby girl into the world while dressed as one of Batman’s most recognizable villains.
On Oct. 31, 2017, Dr. Paul Locus, an obstetrician at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tennessee, delivered Oaklyn Selph while wearing a costume inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight.
Oaklyn’s mother, Brittany Selph, went into labor five days before her expected due date of Nov. 5. She and her husband, Justin, arrived at the hospital around 12:30 p.m. and discovered their doctor wearing white face paint, green hair, red lipstick, and a purple costume.
The couple laughed when Locus entered the room. He initially planned to return home to distribute Halloween candy and change into his regular medical clothes before the delivery. However, the parents encouraged him to keep the costume on.
“We couldn’t help but laugh when he walked in the room,” Justin recalled.
Brittany later shared how her doctor’s appearance helped ease the experience of childbirth.
“It was a good laugh, it made me feel calm,” she said.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., Brittany gave birth to Oaklyn, her third child, with Locus still dressed as the Joker. The doctor also handed Justin scissors to cut the newborn’s umbilical cord.
The following morning, Locus returned to check on Brittany and jokingly apologized for missing the delivery. He also presented a congratulatory card signed “Dr. Joker.”
Locus had a history of dressing up for patients, according to hospital director Rhonda Crossett, who described his efforts to make childbirth more enjoyable.
The family later planned a pink Batman-themed celebration for Oaklyn’s first birthday, extending the Halloween memory that began in the delivery room.
