A mall Santa Claus in Sanford, Florida, was removed from the job last week after telling a child that Hillary Clinton is on his naughty list, according to WKMG-TV.
A mother complained about the Kris Kringle after an incident with her 10-year-old daughter at Seminole Towne Center.
The Santa, who hasn’t been publicly named, reportedly told the girl she was on his “nice” list.
The mother says Santa then asked the girl, “Do you know who is on my naughty list? Hillary Clinton,” before laughing.
Neither the woman nor her daughter thought that was funny, as they were Clinton supporters.
They complained to mall officials who then relayed the comments to the Noerr Programs, a Colorado-based company that contracts Santas to malls and other places around the country.
A company spokesman said the Clinton comment was meant to be a joke.
Still, the Santa was removed from his post and sent to counseling with the company’s human resources department, according to Patch in Lakeland.
The Noerr Programs then released this statement on Facebook:
Santa is a universal symbol of peace, joy and goodwill for all. The Santa mentioned in recent reports in Florida is still employed by us, in a different location.
Santa was given additional training to ensure that he remains in the character of Santa during all future appearances. Our unwavering mission is to create magic, inspire smiles and capture memories, for the young and young at heart.
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