Ronald McDonald not laying low down-under

  • 12/10/2016
Ronald McDonald isn't bowing to the haters (Getty / file)
Ronald McDonald isn't bowing to the haters (Getty / file)

McDonald's resident clown is taking a step back from the limelight amidst a series of spooky clown sightings overseas - but not when he's in New Zealand.

Dozens of creepy clown sightings overseas have left people frazzled, and the fast food giant's US branch has said Ronald will be keeping a low profile for a while.

"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," a spokesperson said.

But in New Zealand, they're not giving in to the creeps.

It's partly because when Ronald's down-under, he does more than just advertise some food. He's also the face of a long-standing road safety programme and spends a fair amount of time at schools.

That's on top of his work with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

McDonald's NZ spokesperson Simon Kenny told Newshub the creepy clowns aren't going to make Ronald back down.

"In New Zealand Ronald has important work teaching generations of Kiwi kids about road safety," he said.

"There are no plans to stop him teaching kids to make it click, or do his work for Ronald McDonald House Charities."

Newshub.