*The man who accused Kevin Clash, the voice and puppeteer of the “Sesame Street” character Elmo, of an underage sexual relationship, has recanted that claim, according to his his lawyer on Tuesday.
The story was first published on Monday by TMZ.
As we reported earlier, Clash has taken a leave of absence from “Sesame Street,” to challenge the allegations.
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The law firm for the accuser, whose identity has not been released, released a statement saying …
“he wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship.” The statement added, “He will have no further comment on the matter.”
Needless to say Kevin Clash is relieved at this latest development.
“I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further.”
The Sesame Workshop, the company the produces “Sesame Street,” is relieved as well.
“We are pleased that this matter has been brought to a close, and we are happy that Kevin can move on from this unfortunate episode,” the organization said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. However, the organization didn’t say when Clash would return to work.
On Monday, TMZ said that the accuser, now 24 years old, contacted Sesame Workshop last summer and claimed that, beginning at the age of 16, he had a sexual relationship with Mr. Clash.
The NY Times is reporting that officials at Sesame Workshop said that they thoroughly investigated the accusation, using outside investigators, over several months and believe it to be false. Mr. Clash’s leave was granted Sunday after it became clear that TMZ was planning to run an article about the accusation.
Clash said in a statement on Monday that the relationship “was between two consenting adults” — something that the accuser is apparently now admitting.
Harvey Levin, the head man at TMZ – the Times notes – did not respond to a request for comment about its decision to run with the unproven allegations of underage sex.
in other words,they add it up from the accuser’s age now to the accuser’s age then and for attention. also for the money.
The accuser needs to be exposed! He almost ruined Kevin’s reputation, his identity needs to be made public in case he tries to do something like this again.
Agreed Platinum, . . . . .to the accuser : shame-on-me? . Guess-the fvck what?. . . . .shame-on-you-too! . . . .I guess sissy-boy didn’t expect Kev’ to give-up-the-ghost, because he has a daughter and would be afraid it would hurt her . or that Sesame street is a clean show . .well, said unknown accuser, you were wrong!! . . If you’ve never done anything good, TMZ, please name this man.
Hold up…..I am not bout to drink this Kool-Aid. This “recant” reeks of a behind the scenes settlement. No way am I buying this one. The powers that be absolutely positively had to squash this one before it went totally out in left field. There is to much $$$$ on the table to risk Elmo’s name being tainted. I am sure “somebody” sat the accuser down & firmly discussed his “options.” Could my theory be wrong?…..anythings possible.
I totally agree and I think Kevin should sue for slander. If he does then we’ll know the accuser was full of BS…that’s what happens when you pick men on the internet which I’m sure what he did. I think this was more about exposing him for being gay and you know that is going to hurt Sesame Street, big time!
I agree. The accuser needs to be exposed as well. For what ever reason he felt the need to ruin Kevin’s reputation.
This will be forever out on Kevin’s record and attached to Elmo. Children listen to the News just like adults and now some will probably look at Kevin/Elmo different – or the adults will and second guess having there kids look at Elmo again.
It would be good if they could actually do research for a possible cure for homosexuality. I really empathize with people who are like that and end up having to go through these embarrassing situations. Maybe if they look deeper, there may be a treatment. But nowadays, if you even suggest that, be prepared for a beat down from GLAAD and the PC police.