Bad Santa: Okanagan mall Santa fired for posting inappropriate pictures online

An Okanagan mall Santa is getting a lump of coal this Christmas, after being fired for some questionable photos online. 

69-year-old Gary Haupt was set to be Santa at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton for his second year, starting Saturday. 

But he says he was let go for sharing on social media what the mall considered to be inappropriate photos.

They show him appearing to take a drink from a flask, and reaching for a woman's breasts.

He says the pictures were staged with the women's permission, and they were taken in good fun. 

Guest: Susan Mesco, Founder and director of the Professional Santa Claus School in Denver, Colorado

An Okanagan mall Santa is getting a lump of coal this Christmas, after being fired for some questionable photos online. 

69-year-old Gary Haupt was set to be Santa at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton for his second year, starting Saturday. 

But he says he was let go for sharing on social media what the mall considered to be inappropriate photos.

They show him appearing to take a drink from a flask, and reaching for a woman's breasts.

He says the pictures were staged with the women's permission, and they were taken in good fun. 

Guest: Susan Mesco, Founder and director of the Professional Santa Claus School in Denver, Colorado