It wasn’t quite an “innocent” joke, but it was hardly a firing offense. John Toomey, “Santa John”, had been the Macy’s Santa for a number of years. When ADULTS would ask him how he kept so jolly, he’d reply “I know where all the NAUGHTY boys and girls live.” This year, a couple complained.
Given that the comment could be seen as hinting at pedophilia, these days that’s more alarming than joking about bombs while lined up for airport security. But I think that firing him was excessive; a quiet warning/”request” not to tell that joke anymore should have been sufficient. There’s been no indication that he’s EVER said or done anything inappropriate in front of the kiddies.
margueritem over 13 years ago
OHNO, the dreaded ‘leopardcy’!
Sisyphos over 13 years ago
Oh, great! Look at Lucas sweat! He’s got “leopardcy”; Tiffany is in the house; and he’s an elf hated by Santa! Merry Christmas, Lucas.
The missing M. Smokey over 13 years ago
He can’t handle the big ear thing.
wraith13 over 13 years ago
How in the world did he ever get those big ears stuffed into those small pointy ears ?
grapfhics over 13 years ago
leprosy, is getting the best of me, your eyeball in my highball your in in my beer, dear.
Nighthawks Premium Member over 13 years ago
friends , Romans and countrymen…….lend me your ears….
swear to god I’ll give ‘em back!
fritzoid Premium Member over 13 years ago
It wasn’t quite an “innocent” joke, but it was hardly a firing offense. John Toomey, “Santa John”, had been the Macy’s Santa for a number of years. When ADULTS would ask him how he kept so jolly, he’d reply “I know where all the NAUGHTY boys and girls live.” This year, a couple complained.
Given that the comment could be seen as hinting at pedophilia, these days that’s more alarming than joking about bombs while lined up for airport security. But I think that firing him was excessive; a quiet warning/”request” not to tell that joke anymore should have been sufficient. There’s been no indication that he’s EVER said or done anything inappropriate in front of the kiddies.
creekwood2903 over 13 years ago
oh no !
runar over 13 years ago
Remember the SCTV spoof of Ben Hur? The “Valley of the Leopards”?
Tantor over 13 years ago
YOU’RE FIRED!
fritzoid Premium Member over 13 years ago
By the way, after all the publicity of the firing, “Santa John” has more job offers than he can handle…
http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/carroll/
syke34 over 13 years ago
He’s going to ear it now.
JP Steve Premium Member over 13 years ago
Macy’s has a history of firing their Santa – then hiring the real one in his place!