Walmart is facing a wave of backlash after a beloved Wisconsin employee who spent more than two decades greeting shoppers was allegedly fired over something his supporters say was completely innocent — a hug.

Kenneth “Kenny” Schmitz had worked at the Walmart in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, for 21 years and became a familiar face to generations of customers.

But according to his supporters, Schmitz’s long career with the retail giant came to a stunning end after a regular shopper hugged him at work.

Now furious customers are rallying around the longtime employee, raising thousands of dollars to help him — and some are even threatening to boycott Walmart.

A GoFundMe organized by Elizabeth Neely claims Schmitz was fired “for something completely beyond his control.”

“Customers loved him so much that they frequently initiated hugs to show their appreciation,” the fundraiser states.

“Kenny did nothing wrong or inappropriate, yet he was let go simply because of the affection shown to him by the community he served so faithfully.”

Schmitz had celebrated his 21st anniversary with Walmart in May.

For many local shoppers, he apparently wasn’t just another employee standing near the entrance. He had become part of their routine.

“For over TWENTY years, Kenny has been the smiling, joyful face at the doors of the Manitowoc Walmart,” the fundraiser states. “Everyone who shops there knows his energy — he made it a point to brighten every single person’s day as they walked in and out of the store.”

The community responded quickly.

Within just two days, the fundraiser had collected $8,050 toward its $9,000 goal, with some supporters donating as much as $500.

The money is expected to help Schmitz cover groceries, utilities and other everyday expenses while he is out of work.

But financial support is only part of the reaction.

Angry customers have also flooded social media with messages defending Schmitz and blasting Walmart over the reported firing.

Some have even called for a boycott of the Manitowoc store.

“It’s sad. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face,” one Facebook commenter wrote, recalling how Schmitz would offer fist bumps, greetings and hugs.

The customer argued that a hug was simply Schmitz’s way of making people feel welcome, adding, “Come on, give the guy a break. 21 years with you.”

Another supporter described Schmitz as “a great man” whom she knew through church.

She said her young daughter would run up to him for hugs whenever the family saw him at Walmart.

“He and his family have been in our family,” she wrote, adding that Schmitz “has the heart of gold” and “loved everybody.”

She also said she would support a boycott because she believed he never should have been fired.

Walmart has not publicly explained exactly what happened.

The company told The New York Post that it does not discuss personnel matters.

Walmart’s code of conduct does prohibit what it calls “offensive physical contact,” which can include patting, grabbing, pinching, intentionally brushing against another person, physical touching or assault.

However, Schmitz’s supporters insist the hugs customers gave him were friendly and welcomed — not inappropriate.

For the shoppers who say Kenny spent more than two decades making their trips to Walmart a little brighter, his abrupt departure has struck a nerve.

And judging by the growing fundraiser and angry boycott threats, plenty of them aren’t ready to let Walmart forget about him anytime soon.