Elmo's Puppeteer Accused of Relationship with underaged teen boy

[Jase]

http://bigstory.ap.o...ge-relationship

Word has it that some tickling was involved.

NEW YORK (AP) — The puppeteer who performs as Elmo on "Sesame Street" is taking a leave of absence from the popular kids' show in the wake of allegations that he had a relationship with a 16-year-old boy.

Sesame Workshop said puppeteer Kevin Clash denies the charges, which were first made in June by the alleged partner, who by then was 23.

"We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action," Sesame Workshop said in a statement issued Monday. "We met with the accuser twice and had repeated communications with him. We met with Kevin, who denied the accusation."

The organization described the relationship as personal and "unrelated to the workplace." Its investigation found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated. But it said Clash exercised "poor judgment" and was disciplined for violating company policy regarding Internet usage. It offered no details.

"I had a relationship with (the accuser)," Clash told TMZ. "It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to make it into something it was not."

At his request, Clash has been granted a leave of absence in order to "protect his reputation," Sesame Workshop said.

No further explanation was provided, nor was the duration of his leave specified.

[Happy Panther]

He simply picked the wrong state. Age of consent is 16 in almost every NE state:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Age_of_Consent_-_North_America.svg

[4Corners]

Hope this isn't true.

"Being Elmo" is a good documentary and a Netflix recommendation.

[Jase]

Fun fact: In tunisia the age of consent is 20.

In Canada it's 14.

[SZ James (banned)]

plz be false.

met him in person. just as awesome and talented in person as he is in the documentary. as long as this is the only allegation I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

[g5jamz]

Where's the photoshop of Elmo in the sex predator database.

[SCP]

This could be the first underage gay sex story featuring a black guy I have ever seen. It's normally some dirty redneck ice cream man, a priest, or some old fat white gym teacher. America has finally broken through the color barrier.

As long as Elmo wasn't caught banging some kid, it's no big deal. My kid watches Elmo, not the puppeteer.

[Mrs Pantherfan]

I saw this morning that he isn't denying it..but he's saying that it was a consensual relationship..the question is how old was the dude when he let it happen... 16 or 18...either way..I'm sorry..but a 16 year old knows what they're doing..why wait til you're 23 to come forward unless it's for money or something

[Panthers128]

14-year-olds know what they're doing too.

Need to plan that trip to Canada ASAP.

[Guest Tom Cat]

14-year-olds know what they're doing too.

Need to plan that trip to Canada ASAP.

wow

this dude makes grits look normal

[BBQ&Beer]

Accuser recanted.

http://m.nydailynews.com/1.1201506

I'm glad because I met him at UCONN's puppetry school. Cool guy.

[PhillyB]

Fun fact: In tunisia the age of consent is 20.

In Canada it's 14.

false. it's 16 in canada now.

it is, however, 12 in some districts of mexico.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

he put his hand in the wrong hole. No surprises here really

[King]