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WHITEHALL, Mich. — Fred Civas says he’s been hugging grocery store customers for nearly 40 years.

But now, his friendliness has gotten him into trouble.

The Muskegon County grocery store employee was fired for giving a customer a hug, reported WMXI.

Civis says it was just another hug at Plumb’s Valu-Rite Foods. The alleged victim, however, said differently, which led to Civis’ termination and criminal charges.

A Facebook page called “Boycott Whitehall Plumb’s for Fred” started this week with the community rallying together to support Civis, holding signs and chanting “We want Fred!”

Source: WMXI