Man behind Elmo accused of having sexual relationship with underage boy

Kevin Clash, the voice behind Sesame Street’s Elmo, is accused of having a sexual relationship with 16-year-old boy

13:35 14 November 2012

Kevin Clash, the man who voices the puppet of Elmo on Sesame Street, has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy. Because of this, Clash has taken a leave of absence, reportedly to defend his reputation in the wake of the damaging allegations.

In a report by TMZ, Mr. Clash has admitted he had a relationship with the accuser when he was an adult and not 16 years old. He added that the accusations were both false and defamatory.

 

He said: “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.”

 

After thorough investigation, Sesame Workshop officials told TMZ that they found the allegations unsubstantiated. Reportedly, they also denied trying to silence the accuser to protect Mr Clash.

The Officials added that the accuser failed to support the allegation by not submitting evidence they asked for. 

Mr Clash has been the voice of Elmo for over 20 years. He performed on the show as well as DVD releases and TV movies. He won nine Daytime Emmy Awards for the role.