OAK BROOK (dpa-AFX) - McDonald's Corp. is hiding its iconic clown mascot Ronald McDonald amid the increasing sightings of creepy clown across the US, reports said. The red-haired mascot with his clown-like face paint and yellow jumpsuit, which has long been McDonald's face, will be keeping a low profile until the clown craze dies down.
The burger chain reportedly said Tuesday, 'McDonald's and franchisees in the local markets are mindful of the current climate around clown sightings in communities and as such are being thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being.'
McDonald's decision follows the latest trend of violent and non-violent pranks and threats by eerie clowns. Many reports have emerged of people in clown costumes frightening others in street or through social media.
There were reports of men wearing ugly-looking clown masks using kitchen knife to scare people and recording video, while some threatening to kill or kidnap people at several schools. Many children told authorities that they were offered money by clowns to follow them into the woods in South Carolina.
Multiple reports of scary clown sightings were emerged in other countries like England and Canada.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX