Monday, November 12, 2012

Elmo's "Voice" Caught In Underage Sex Allegation

Sesame Street Celeb Accused Of Underage Sex With 16 Year Old

Kevin Clash, the voice of the character Elmo in the popular children's TV series Sesame Street has been accused of having a homosexual relationship seven years ago with a then 16-year old when Clash was 45.

Clash has denied the accuser was 16 but admitted a relationship with him. Clash is a co-executive producer of Sesame Street and the voice of several of the show's characters. 

He released an autobiography in 2006,  My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud.

The Sesame Workshop released a statement about the situation today:

"In June of this year, Sesame Workshop 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 Kevin Clash, a Sesame Workshop puppeteer who performs as Elmo.

"We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action. 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.

"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.

"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."

Photo courtesy Bill Thompson

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