SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A San Francisco man who has played the role of Santa Claus for years at a local store said he was fired allegedly because of a joke he told an adult couple.
John Toomey, 68, of San Francisco, a retired caretaker for the elderly, was the Santa at the Union Square Macy's store for 20 years, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday.
The joke is one he has told for decades without any problems, but an elderly couple complained about it, the Chronicle reported.
"When I ask the older people who sit on my lap if they've been good and they say, 'Yes,' I say, 'Gee, that's too bad.' Then, if they ask why Santa is so jolly, I joke that it's because I know where all the naughty boys and girls live".
A number of Toomey's co- workers said they were "devastated" by the "overreaction" to the incident.
"People make a pilgrimage to see him every year, some for as long as 15 years. Everyone loves him. Everybody's just heartsick about this," said a fellow employee.
"He's totally the best Santa ever, very jolly and very authentic. "I've been coming to see him for years. There's just nobody better," said Sharon Owens, 56, of Oakland.
"Everything was going OK until this couple came in. I don't know why they reported me. I don't think I said anything untoward," Toomey said.
Toomey is waiting to see what becomes of his request for Macy's reconsideration.
Toomey said is now seeking to hire himself out at parties and other stores.
"I've got my Social Security and some savings, so I'll be OK. But I sure do miss being Santa," he said. UPI
