Elmo Puppeteer Accused of Sexual Misconduct


Sesame Street has received a lot of unwanted press this year. After Presidential
Candidate Mitt Romney unwittingly remarked that he’d shut publicly funded shows like
Sesame Street down, word that Big Bird was now mortal enemies with Romney spread
like wildfire. The Obama administration even included a reference to the children’s show
in a political advertisement.

And now, when the fires had finally died out, another spark has been sent to rekindle
the media’s interest: 52-year old Kevin Clash, Elmo’s voice for the past 27 years,
has been accused of having sex with a 16-year-old boy. The accuser has chosen to
remain unidentified, but is now 23 and says that seven years ago he and Clash had a
relationship.

Sesame Workshop has confirmed that Clash did violate the company’s Internet usage
policy, but has found the “allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated.”
Clash admits that he and the man did have a relationship, but only as two consenting
adults. Sesame workshop made a statement that said, “Kevin insists that the allegation
of underage conduct is false and defamatory and he is taking actions to protect his
reputation.”

Even the accusation of such a thing could prove to be devastating for the puppeteer,
even if he is proven innocent. As of now, he has chosen to take a leave of absence to
get matters under control. As for Sesame Street, the show must go on.

“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.”

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post