Over the past few weeks, there have been a rash ofcreepy clownsightings popping up all over the country. At first, some thought it was a viral marketing campaign for the upcomingStephen KingadaptationIT, but that report was shot down, as these sightings keep growing and growing. Today we have word that the fast food giant McDonald’s is pulling its clown Ronald McDonald from various appearances, in light of this spooky phenomena.
Theclown sightingsfirst started in Greenville, South Carolina this August, when a group of children told the police that painted clowns offered them money, luring them into the woods. The sightings began to increase more and more, spreading to North Carolina, whereITwas filming. McDonald’s spokeswomanTerri Hickeyrevealed in a statement toBusiness Insiderthat reveals they’re sidelining Ronald McDonald.
“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 toRonald McDonald’s participation in community events for the time being.”
After the initial incident, clown sightings have become more and more frequent all over the country, withITauthorStephen Kingeven weighing in on the issue. The author described the phenomema as a “low-level hysteria” that will pass in time, but it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. In fact, these sightings have even escalated to murder.
We reported last week that police in Reading, Pennsylvania arrested 29-year-oldAvery Valentin-Bairand charged him withfirst-degree murderafter stabbing 16-year-oldChristian Torres. The victim had a clown mask similar to one used inThe Purgemovies that was pushed on top of his head. There is still no answer to why these clown sightings are spreading across the country at a rapid pace, but it doesn’t seem there is any quick end to this scary phenomenon in sight.
