Naughty: Macy‘s Santa Fired for Cracking ’Grown-Up’ Jokes
- Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:37am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Add Santa to the naughty list. At least that‘s the determination made by a San Francisco Macy’s store, who fired its long-time Santa after a couple complained he was cracking dirty jokes — jokes Santa says are not inappropriate and only intended for big boys and girls.
John Toomey, who has played Santa for 20 years at the San Francisco Macy’s seventh-floor Santaland, told the San Francisco Chronicle that he was sacked for cracking an adult joke to an adult, but the joke has been something he’s been using for years.
“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,’ ” Toomey told the Chronicle Monday.
“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.”
Toomey said kids who sit on his lap only ever get his popular laugh and questions about what toys they want. No jokes for them.
Macy’s declined to comment to the Chronicle siting its policy not to discuss personnel issues. But some of Santa’s helpers did.
“People make a pilgrimage to see him every year, some for as long as 15 years,” said one worker. “Everyone loves him. Everybody’s just heartsick about this.”
Patrons agree. “He’s totally the best Santa ever, very jolly and very authentic,” said Sharon Owens, 56, of Oakland. “I’ve been coming to see him for years. There’s just nobody better.”
“Everything was going OK until this couple came in,” Toomey told the Chronicle. “I don’t know why they reported me. I don’t think I said anything untoward.”
“It’s an important job,” he added, “and the joking around like I did is only for the adults.”
For now, the man who moves to the San Francisco area every year just to play Santa is looking for another gig. But he‘s hoping Macy’s changes its mind.
Consider it his Christmas wish.
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Comments (56)
Keith B
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 8:01pmI must be “so dumb” fo real. cause I can‘t find no typo’s….:-) Then again I’m a speed reader, so if it‘s close it’s all good with me…
Report Post »wolflady
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:47pmBlacktooth, you don’t really read anything here do you? you just drop in and type in aimless comments proving you actually read nothing. No one called Santa a God or an Idol, and you just had a few minutes to kill so figured you’d give us your two cents worth. Duly noted. Now go away.
Report Post »wolflady
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:07pmWOW! Yellowfin, who hurt you? Did some relative in a Santa suit do something to you that wasn’t so nice? I am truly sorry. There is not one time in my 36 years of being a parent/grandparent that my child(ren) ever sat on Santas lap that I wasn’t right there and watching. Not that I suspected or ‘expected’ that anything would happen, but that was just my stance as a parent/grandparent. I protect my own. I would never let someone hurt them in any way. I am sorry if someone wasn’t so vigiliant with you, Sorry about the ‘liberal’ comment. Thats just the way you came across.
Report Post »There is a rotten apple in every barrel, and if left alone long enough, it will spoil things for a lot of people. I am sure there have been bad Santas, and I‘m just as sure that this guy WASN’T being one by what he said. Not all Santas are rotten, matter of fact, not even MOST Santas are. Sorry you got one that was. Merry Christmas anyway huni. I do mean that sincerely.
Camo Pants
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:04pmThere aren’t any good stories today… Oh, and santa, where are all the naughty girls? XD
Report Post »wolflady
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:14pmOMG!! Lol Thanks Burnthills. It was my first post and I was just a little surprised to be attacked so rapidly! I foolishly thought that liberals would stay away from this as it is Glenns. Thats what I get for thinking. I so totally should have realized the exact opposite would be true.
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:27pmAnd for your information, I am not a liberal. I am very concerned about the increasing accounts of child molestation and have no tolerance for blindly accepting the the fictional, mythical Santa Claus, sitting on his lap as if he was a Christ.
Report Post »Bob Mariner
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:44pmYellow Fin. Isn’t it so nice that you can hide behind a phony name and make stupid remarks. Santa for all.
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:31pmYellowfin,
Report Post »You have to understand that this is the reaction you get when you attack peoples false god/idol. And if you give a clear warning that people do not want to hear, then you get flack in return. You see, they like their false stories, and do not want you to remind them of the falsehoods that they cherish. So, apologize for saying nasty things about Santa.
wolflady
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:45pmYellowfin, you definetly have an attitude don’t you? I do not consider a Santa suit a ‘clown’ suit. Santa is a tradition, an icon, something to bring a smile to a little childs face, and usually to that childs parents or grandparents face as a result. Perhaps you are not very interested in making memories that you enjoy revisiting. I”m sorry for you. No one said anything about Santa being/not being righteous. What I did say is that the whole idea of Santa is not harmful, and with regards to the story we read, this Santa at Macy’s did nothing that could be construed as harmful.
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:51pmAs you wish.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:56pmWolflady, we get some bitter moron democrat trolls on here all the time, just ignore ‘em.
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:10pmBurnt hills, I am not a democrat, nor bitter, nor a moron. I am just giving out a warning to all parents. If you do not accept my alerts, then do not accept them. No hard feelings.
Report Post »wolflady
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:32pmThis is just pathetic! It used to be that it took at least a few people, not just one, to cause so much grief! When did we lose our back bone? I am a Christian and proud of it, but all my children and grandchildren believe(d) in Santa for a time, and it never did any harm, nor did the Santa’s!! This is just too pitiful to be believed! I have never been much of a Macy’s customer, but reset assured, now I will not be a Macy’s customer at all!! Cant give my money to a company that can’t even stand up for Santa!! Macy’s; YOU’RE RIDICULOUS!!
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:36pmAre you of the opinion that anyone dressed in a clown suit is automatically a righteous man?
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:09pmBarry has a clown suit?
Report Post »kennycannon
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:23pmHere’s the real question. Why be Santa at Macys when you can be on unemployment for like 6 years?
Report Post »Chicago Ray
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:22pmWhen did we become a country where one single complainer and whiner can ruin a person’s life and career? This country and world more so is so sick I thank God every day I never had kids.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:08pmI really don’t think that the couple had a problem with the jokes, but rather the Santa. There are a lot of people out there that would love to see Santa’s go bye bye. I hate to hear anyone out of work, especially around Christmas time. That’s right for all you that hate Christmas. I said it, so there.
Report Post »BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:21pmI agree heavyduty. Not sure what the full story is on the sacked-Santa. Wonder if they have replaced him already. Some Latino probably offered to play the role for less pay. Feliz navidad?
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:49pmSanta‘s been replaced by Macy’s, but the little kids who have been going to him since birth CAN TELL he is NOT “their” Santa. our kids luckily had the same Santa for 8 years and they KNEW. (it also looks great in all those photos on the mantel… same Santa!)
Report Post »we are pretty sure it had to be bitter crochety old anti-Christmas democrats, cos no NICE decent people would have targeted SANTA.
myptofvu
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:08pmAnybody besides me call Macy’s and complain about this firing?
Report Post »Right in Oregon
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:00pmIf they want to destroy Christmas — let’s stop shopping and reflect on the real reason for the Season.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Report Post »bookofwisdom
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:37amFirst they got rid of prayer in schools. Then they took away the nativity scene. Then they tried to take away English. Then they took away our Christmas Tree, and now Santa. What a shame. 20 years of love and cheer gone because one person complained. They probably don’t believe in Santa to begin with. I hope he finds a better job as Santa. He certainly doesn’t deserve to be fired. May God Bless.
Report Post »Country
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:14amThere is something creepy about letting your kid sit in a strangers lap anyways. HO HO HO, oh wait that is not appropriate to say is it?
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:42amHey wait a minute, my sista’s a ho, Merry Christmas
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:27pmParents, please do let your dear children sit on the lap of men dressed in clown suits. This is your second warning.
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:30pmcorrection; please do NOT let your……
Report Post »Bronco II
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:02amI’am not surprise by anything that is in the news anymore.It makes me mad but not a shock.My prayers with this man and hope he can continue to do what he does with someone who will truely appreciate him.I’m a christian and I would not have had a problem with what he said it all depends on where your mind is not his.So I’m guessing either the couple that complained had dirty minds or the are some of those HOLYIER THEN THOU. I‘ll put it this way GOD knows what was in his heart so we’ll see how things go for him.
Report Post »Gobomama
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:55amSan Fran? Really? This from the city that holds the annual Folsom Street Fair? Unbelievable.
Report Post »Skwerl E. Muckenfutch
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:52amOnly in Pelosi’s San Fran does Santa get fired for Christmas. I patiently await the rain of coal to beset the city. Humbug to you Macy’s!
Report Post »Right in Oregon
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:49amFirst it was separation of Church and state – no religious acknowledgement of the Christmas season. Now, good bye Santa, the best know secular icon of the season. Wait until Christmas trees are transformed into an all american Apple tree. Will they never stop?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:47amGood thing that they canned him. Their vaults are now safe. Assuming they got rid of the midget elf as well.
Report Post »dkhartman
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:45amOh geez. Poor Santa
Report Post »Vise
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:45amLooks like it’s time to audition for Santa Clause! Hehehe
Report Post »may214
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:05pmYou’re doing it wrong. It’s hohoho
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:44amwe wouldn’t be surprised if that pair of bitter obama socialists deliberately targeted that happy beloved Santa.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:52amI suppose there will be a few more people this year that Santa moves from the “naughty list” down to the “Marxist list”…..I think I remember that tradition dictates, that not only do those people get coal in their stocking, but it has to be on fire at the time……
BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:44pmSanta can bring us good ol’ American Coal if he wants, it’s going to be rare as gold soon…. wow. how bizarre to think that, one of our ancestral lines were brought here in 1883 as company coal miners from Poland and these men were basically “owned” by the democrat mine… another line worked in the WV coal mines… hey SANTA! plase bring us some coal so our grandkids will know what it looked like!!
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:43amhe ran into a pair of obama socialist democrats, pure and simple.
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:42amyawn
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:22pmParents, please keep your children away from men dressed in clown suits.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:39amHow can you fire someone who used the word “untoward” in a sentence?
Report Post »Konservative PUNK
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:45amLots of type-O’s happen here. The Blaze needs spell-check.
Report Post »What’s next? They hire the real Kris Kringle? Sounds like the plot from Miracle on 34th Street to me.
Lantern
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:12amKonservative Punk-That’s what I keep telling them.
This is San Fransissyco, the land of depravity, what do you expect?
Report Post »1st a Father
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:17pmYou know, we seldom hear the whole story in the media. I wonder how many times these comments were made within earshot of children even though they were intended for adults. Also, I would be a little put out if someone spoke this way around my wife.
Macey’s has a right to fire someone, no matter how long the employee works for them, if they feel this employee’s conduct could hurt their public image. I feel this Santa has besmirched the good reputation of a beloved character. Who knows, maybe an even better Santa will be hired to take his place. There are a lot of good people out of work now days.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:26pmM31SAILOR…..I’m not proud of myself for laughing….but thats funny as Hell!….I will now always view any barstool with suspicion….ewww!
M31Sailor
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:43pmTX
I was told that joke by a gay friend of mine
Merry Christmas Sailor
Report Post »GeauxAlready
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:53pmWell I mean if the guy was saying “Hey, Hey, Hey got to stay! Can’t go up the chimney with my blank that way!” they might have a case………
Report Post »thomasbrij
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:11pm@Konservative Punk,
I also notice all the typos! Sometimes the stories read as if the authors were in a hurry to get them finished. Maybe they should forget spell check and hire a proofreader??? I’m available!! :)
Report Post »Bad Thunder
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:13pmMacy’s decission may have an untoward effect on their business………
Report Post »MeteoricLimbo
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:04pmhttp://www.resistnet.com/video/video/show?id=2600775%3AVideo%3A2977735&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_video
less we foget the loss of life for “our” freedoms…
Report Post »Buck Bagaw
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:13pmWhat typos?? Examples(2) please.
Report Post »Konservative PUNK
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:30pm@thomasbrij & Buck Bagaw
I’m not gonna proofread for free, but I am also available for the job.
Report Post »Konservative PUNK
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:33pmPerhaps the writers are a bit rushed. Does Glenn crack the whip on The Blaze staffers?
Report Post »naed5048
Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:54amwhat do you expect? I mean, it is San Fransico ….Pretty soon, it will be none for the San Looney tune town
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