CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina Santa Claus is on the naughty list and out of a job after he was accused of fat-shaming a little boy.
The 9-year-old boys mother says that as he hopped down from Santa's lap in Forest City over the weekend, Santa told him to lay off the hamburgers and French fries, turning Christmas cheer into Christmas tears.
The Santa was quickly relieved of his duties.
The Forest City town manager released this statement:
"On Saturday, December 3 the individual who played Santa Claus at the Santa House in Forest City made a remark that he regretted. He apologized to the parent, the child and the Town. A town representative spoke to the Mother on Monday and also apologized. On Tuesday that individual who portrayed Santa Claus and was scheduled for the next two Fridays and Saturdays has informed the Town he would no longer provide his service as Santa to the Town."
Read more at WCNC/NBC News.