Support grows for Santa accused of fat-shaming 9-year-old NC boy

FOREST CITY, N.C. — Support for a North Carolina Santa who fat-shamed a 9-year-old boy is growing across the country.

A Forest City mother said the man, Earl Crowder, told her son to "lay off the hamburgers and fries" after the boy gave Santa his wish list.

>> Read more trending stories 

Crowder resigned after the incident but since then, his supporters created a Facebook page, claiming that in real life, Crowder buys toys for those less fortunate and helps people in nursing homes.

Crowder's family said he's heartbroken over the situation.

"He woke up having trouble breathing and ended up having to go to the hospital and he's still there," said his niece, Kelly Butler.

Doctors said Crowder has a blood clot in his lung.

He replaced the previous Santa in Forest City 12 years ago after that man was arrested for inappropriately touching a girl.

Cox Media Group