Normally when you see a glum Ronny McDizzle it’s to do with the fact that the food his company sells is putrid (yet somehow glorious after midnight), a criticism that McDonald’s is more than used to dealing with.

Their new problem is a rather novel one, though, and it’s resulting in Ronald having to keep a low profile.

We’re talking about the crazy killer clown craze sweeping the U.S., which has now spread to the likes of Britain and Australia (HERE).

More from the Guardian:

McDonald’s in New York told the Associated Press the company was being “thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald’s participation in community events” as a result of the “current climate around clown sightings in communities”.

Some would argue that if you’re promoting the fast food chain you deserve a punch to the nose, but given how people are freaking out about clown sightings that could be considered getting off lightly.

But wait, there’s more – Down Under the crazed clowns are actually coming to McDonald’s:

in the Australian town of Moe, Victoria, the creepy clown came to McDonald’s.

Numerous sightings were reported of a male clown wielding an axe at cars exiting the drive-through of the fast-food restaurant on the Princes Freeway about 3.30am on Sunday.

Victoria police confirmed on Tuesday that a 23-year-old man from Eagle Point had been arrested, and was expected to be charged on summons with assault, weapons, public order and “disguise-related” offences.

Though no one was injured in the incident, nor property damaged, Victoria police took the opportunity to caution people against taking part in “what is being called the ‘clown purge’.”

Here’s ABC Australia highlighting the problem a few days back:

A spokesperson for the company in Australia said it was business as usual for the mascot, although all his appearances were pre-arranged and during the day time.

Sorry Ronald McDonald, looks like you might need to take a breather while this whole thing blows over.

[source:guardian]