1851

Creepy clowns are taking the nation by storm, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. According to a <a href="http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/mcdonalds-scaling-back-ronald-mcdonald-appearances-due-creepy-clown-sightings-174005?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=adweek-mcdonalds-is-scaling-back-ronald-mcdonald-appearances-due-to-creepy-clown-sightings-6511" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recent Adweek article</a>, this phenomenon is forcing the famous clown mascot, Ronald McDonald, to go into hiding and cut back appearances at events in local communities.

For months there have been sightings of people dressed as clowns, carrying knives, and walking around towns across the country and even around the world including in Canada and Australia. Many of sightings have occurred in retail locations or near schools, instilling fear in the minds of American parents and children and all those deathly afraid of clowns.

The McDonald&rsquo;s brand mascot has been around since 1963, but for now has to keep a low profile. In a statement, the company&nbsp;told the Associated Press&nbsp;it was &quot;thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald&#39;s participation in community events&quot; as a result of the &quot;current climate around clown sightings in communities.&quot;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/mcdonalds-scaling-back-ronald-mcdonald-appearances-due-creepy-clown-sightings-174005?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=adweek-mcdonalds-is-scaling-back-ronald-mcdonald-appearances-due-to-creepy-clown-sightings-6511" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the full article.

Adweek: McDonald’s Is Scaling Back Ronald McDonald Appearances Due to Creepy Clown Sightings

1851 Franchise

Creepy clown sightings force the most famous clown into hiding.

adweek-mcdonalds-is-scaling-back-ronald-mcdonald-appearances-due-to-creepy-clown-sightings

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

Image of a kid growing up, developing with kidstrong, high fiving and smiling. 

How KidStrong has Become the Franchise Disrupting Child Development by Partnering with Purpose-Driven Franchise Owners 

kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-child-development

Picture of kids for franchise business Kidstrong which focuses on child development and fitness

KidStrong Is Pediatrician-Recommended for Raising Confident, Capable Kids and Families Can't Get Enough

kidstrong-child-development-program

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-QSR-Sandwich-Brand-Addition-June-2025

Why Sandwich Franchisees Are Expanding With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

laynes-chicken-fingers-franchise-sandwich-operator-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Adweek: McDonald’s Is Scaling Back Ronald McDonald Appearances Due to Creepy Clown Sightings

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS