Ronald McDonald, the iconic clown mascot of McDonald’s, was a central figure for decades, but in 2016, he disappeared from the spotlight. The reason? The “creepy clown” phenomenon that spread across the U.S. and U.K., where people dressed as frightening clowns and caused disturbances in neighborhoods.
In response to these unsettling reports, McDonald’s decided to remove Ronald from its advertising to avoid associating the brand with these negative clown images. The move was made out of concern for public safety and community well-being.
Ronald McDonald had long represented the brand since the 1960s, but he also faced criticism for promoting unhealthy eating, with some arguing he contributed to childhood obesity. McDonald’s decision to distance itself from the mascot reflected a shift in priorities and sensitivity to public concerns.
