Clowns, and creepy ones in particular, have been showing up all over the U.S. in recent months. As such, McDonald's announced that its mascot Ronald will be keeping a low profile for the time being.

Clowns, and creepy ones in particular, have been showing up all over the U.S. in recent months, sending some of the legitimate ones into hiding.
Time reports that among the professionals planning to keep a low profile until the strange occurrences pass is none other than Ronald McDonald.
On Tuesday, a McDonald’s spokesperson announced, “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."
It is unclear if McDonald’s mascot will be removed from the public eye entirely, or will simply make fewer appearances, notes the Los Angeles Times.
The ‘creepy clown’ sightings reportedly began in August, with some of the earliest reports coming from South Carolina.