[DiamondSmiles]

Kevin Clash, the puppeteer and voice of muppet Elmo, is denying recent allegations that he had been involved in a relationship with a 16-year-old boy several years ago and is taking a leave of absence from his flagship children's series, "Sesame Street", in order to take actions, "to protect his reputation."

New Muppet Lily to debut on, 'Sesame Street', to teach children about poverty.

The 52-year-old has portrayed the furry red character, who has also been featured in films and on other shows and also spurred the popular, "Tickle Me Elmo", doll, since 1984. He has not been charged with a crime.

Sesame Workshop, which produces, "Sesame Street," said in a statement that the company had in June "received a communication from a then-23-year-old man who alleged that he had a relationship beginning when he was 16 years old" with Clash.

"We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action," said the statement, which was posted on the group's website on Monday. "We met with the accuser twice and had repeated communications with him. We met with Kevin, who denied the accusation. We also conducted a thorough investigation and found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated."

"Although this was a personal relationship unrelated to the workplace, our investigation did reveal that Kevin exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding internet usage and he was disciplined," Sesame Workshop said, adding that, "Kevin insists that the allegation of underage conduct is false and defamatory and he is taking actions to protect his reputation. We have granted him a leave of absence to do so."

The Associated Press quoted Clash as telling the website TMZ, "I had a relationship with [the accuser]. It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to make it into something it was not."

Clash, who has a young adult daughter with his ex-wife, also provided the voice of Baby Sinclair from the 1990s series, "Dinosaurs," Splinter from the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies and several characters, including a Firey and Ambrosius the sheepdog, in the 1987 cult film "Labyrinth." Clash has won eight Daytime Emmys for his role of Elmo on "Sesame Street."

Elmo is one of the most popular children's characters of all time. The character was involved in a minor controversy in 2010, when he starred in an online Sesame Street music video with Katy Perry. The segment did not air on the TV show due to complaints over the singer's scantily clad look.

Sesame Workshop said in its statement that, "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."

*Damn, I hate Elmo's and Baby Sinclair's voices! I'll probably burn in Hell, but, Baby Sinclair looks like an anencephaly baby.*

*Update*

Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Cleared of Teen Sex Charges Accuser Recants Story

November 14, 2012

Sesame Street puppeteer Kevin Clash, pictured here with Elmo, (below), has been cleared of teen sex charges after his accuser recanted his story.Photograph by: AP , The Associated PressNEW YORK — A man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a teenage boy has recanted his story.

In a quick turnabout, the man on Tuesday described his sexual relationship with Clash as adult and consensual.

Clash responded with a statement of his own, saying he is "relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest." He had no further comment.

The man, who has not identified himself, released his statement through the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, law firm Andreozzi & Associates.

Sesame Workshop, which produces "Sesame Street" in New York, soon followed by saying, "We are happy that Kevin can move on from this unfortunate episode."

The whirlwind episode began Monday morning, when Sesame Workshop startled the world by announcing that Clash had taken a leave of absence from, "Sesame Street" in the wake of allegations that he had had a relationship with a 16-year-old.

Clash, a 52-year-old divorced father of a grown daughter, swiftly denied the charges of his accuser, who is in his early 20s. In that statement Clash acknowledged that he is gay but said the relationship had been between two consenting adults.

Though it remained unclear where the relationship took place, sex with a person under 17 is a felony in New York if the perpetrator is at least 21.

Sesame Workshop, which said it was first contacted by the accuser in June, had launched an investigation that included meeting with the accuser twice and meeting with Clash. Its investigation found the charge of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated.

Clash said on Monday he would take a break from Sesame Workshop, "to deal with this false and defamatory allegation."

Neither Clash nor Sesame Workshop indicated on Tuesday when he might return to the show, on which he has performed as Elmo since 1984.

Elmo had previously been a marginal character, but Clash, supplying the fuzzy red puppet with a high-pitched voice and a carefree, child-like personality, launched the character into major stardom. Elmo soon rivaled Big Bird as the face of, "Sesame Street."

Though usually behind the scenes, Clash meanwhile achieved his own measure of fame. In 2006, he published an autobiography, "My Life as a Furry Red Monster," and he was the subject of the 2011 documentary, "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey."

He has won 23 daytime Emmy awards and one prime-time Emmy.


Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/entertainm...#ixzz2CEt8fy41

[juliemd]

omfg, they are going after elmo.

[kellyhound]

caught red handed

[Sharon]

Wonder if Elmo was present at the time? He could be a witness in court

A lot of allegations around lately since Saville - like a new trend.

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by Sharon. ↗

Wonder if Elmo was present at the time? He could be a witness in court

A lot of allegations around lately since Saville - like a new trend.

One sick fuck does something and copy cats come out no matter what it is! Weird!

Although not the same thing, bus crashes are big here.

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by kellyhound ↗

caught red handed

Awwww! That ain't right!

[Irish66]

yeah but it's funny!

[Megamel29]

Originally Posted by diamondsmiles ↗

"Although this was a personal relationship unrelated to the workplace, our investigation did reveal that Kevin exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding internet usage and he was disciplined," Sesame Workshop said....

What did he do online that violated company policy??

[Oswald2001]

"I know Elmo, personally. Now drop your pants."

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by Megamel29 ↗

What did he do online that violated company policy??

My interpretation was simply using the computer on company time, but, that's just a guess.