Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash is in the clear after his accuser recanted his story. Elmo’s longtime puppeteer was accused of having an intimate relationship with a 16-year old male. The now 23-year old unnamed male has recanted his story.
Clash maintained his innocence in the brewing scandal.
“It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to characterize it as something other than what it was. I am taking a break from Sesame Workshop to deal with this false and defamatory allegation.”
Sesame Workshop recognized the poor judgment from Clash but reassured their millions of followers that Elmo will survive.
“Elmo is bigger than any one person and will continue to be an integral part of ‘Sesame Street’ to engage, educate and inspire children around the world, as it has for 40 years.”
While some irreparable damage has been done, likely to Clash’s 27 year career as Elmo’s puppeteer the accuser has admitted through his attorney that the relationship was indeed between consenting adults.
“This office represented the 23-year-old man who was the subject of many media reports regarding Kevin Clash. He wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. He will have no further comment on the matter.”
Clash added in response, “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest,” the Emmy-winning Muppet man said. “I will not discuss it further.”
Should Clash file a lawsuit against the accuser? Was it a plot for money?
