Santa helper who was ridiculed to get special seat this holiday

FORT MILL, S.C. — One of Santa's helpers, who said he was ridiculed while working at a Fort Mill business, is getting support from a Charlotte fireman.

[Contracted Santa worker says negative criticism was racially driven]

Earlier this week, Channel 9 told you about Tony Harkey, also known as Santa Tony. He showed us Facebook comments he said were made after he worked a shift at a local store as one of Santa's helpers.

"Do not go this year for Xmas pics -- guy looks nothing like Santa," one person posted.

Santa Tony told Channel 9 he believes the comments had to do with the color of his skin.

Charlotte firefighter Maos Baldwin contacted Santa Tony Wednesday.

"When I saw that, I wanted to apologize even though I didn't have anything to do with it, just let him know you're bigger than the circumstance is, and you can rebound you know," said Baldwin.

Baldwin owns a firetruck and uses it for several parades and special events every Christmas.

He asked Santa Tony to take a special seat on the firetruck during some events.

"I've been torn down bad. His words helped me," said Santa Tony.

Cox Media Group