Elmo Puppeteer Resigns, Kevin Clash Addresses Sesame Street Departure
Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash has resigned from Sesame Street, as we reported earlier, as a second accuser has stepped forward to claim an inappropriate relationship with Clash, filing a suit demanding $5 million from the man who voices Elmo.
Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash first became the subject of sex allegations last week when an aspiring male model stepped forward to say that he and Clash had been engaged in an inappropriate relationship that began when the young man, Sheldon Stephens, was 16.
Stephens later recanted his claims against Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash but then went back on his recantation. Stephens told the media Clash had paid him a six-figure sum to keep quiet and soon said he planned to return the money so he could tell his story.
This morning, Sesame Workshop announced that Clash was leaving Sesame Street for good after nearly three decades in what they described as a “sad day for Sesame Street.” The news sent shockwaves across the blogosphere, particularly amid parents of small children who are devoted to Clash’s furry red monster and his world.
Now Clash has spoken as well, releasing a statement of his own about the painful decision to leave Sesame Street. In it, Clash says:
“I am resigning from Sesame Workshop with a very heavy heart. I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization. Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work Sesame Street is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately.”
The Elmo puppeteer’s resignation comes just as parents head into the pre-Christmas shopping season, and the Times notes the scandal could impact the brand’s sales.
Tags : Elmo, Elmo accuser recants, Elmo accuser recants again, elmo kevin clash resigns, elmo puppeteer, elmo puppeteer kevin clash, Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash's accuser recants, Elmo Puppeteer Resigns, Elmo Puppeteer Resigns 2012, Elmo Puppeteer Resigns after scandal, elmo quits, kevin clash, kevin clash resigns, Man who accused Kevin Clash of having sex with him recants, sad, sesame street, sesame street puppeteer, sesame workshop, sex allegatons, sheldon stephens, the voice of elmo, voice of elmo, won't someone think of the children?
Posted: November 20, 2012
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Nov 20, 2012
Kevin Clash is NOT Elmo. This controversy will not affect whether or not I buy Elmo or Sesame Street products for my child.
Nov 20, 2012
It is a sad day…but little kids don't know that Elmo is not real. They will continue to be faithful to Elmo. I hope this Stephens guy is proud of himself! He is after his 10 minutes of fame and money!
Nov 20, 2012
My grandchildren love Elmo it won't affect me buying their products. Isn't this a sad worldwe live in?
Nov 20, 2012
I'm am soooooo sad! I LOVE ELMO! Who cares who does the voice from now on! God can we all just pray for Elmo!
Nov 20, 2012
So what if that man is a nasty perv. Put him in jail. But God….Elmo wasn't having sex with NOBODY!!!!! Ugh………….
Nov 20, 2012
:'(
Nov 20, 2012
question what will happen to Elmo? I'm sure kids would notice if they kept him but the voice wasn't the same.
Nov 20, 2012
Too many kids love Elmo. With all the digitalization today his voice doesn't have to change it can be altered to be the same. Hopefully all matters will be handled and Elmo will live on!
Nov 20, 2012
This is much like when Jim Henson died, sure they got someone new to sound like Kermit, but the personality that brought him to life just wasn't there or the same. RIP, Elmo.
Nov 20, 2012
Fondle Me Elmo?
Nov 20, 2012
I won't stop buying Elmo toys because of this. He is NOT Elmo he only leads hint his voice.
Nov 20, 2012
I'm so sorry he had to resign. I don't think he had a choice anyway. I hope Dorothy will still be around. I can only imagine what Mr Clash is going through now. That's really sad:(
Nov 20, 2012
I feel like there is nothing sacred anymore. Everything is about money not morals. My son grew up with Elmo and learned a lot from Sesame Street. I would never want to have that tainted. Not all the facts are known I'm not making any judements. If Kevin Clash did something unlawful then he should be held accountable. If the accuser is lying it will surface. Regardless it would not change that "Elmo" makes millions of children happy.
Nov 20, 2012
Well 16 is legal in certain states, so was it legal in his state?
Nov 20, 2012
Is this the end of Elmo?
Nov 20, 2012
Now is this Stephen man comes out since he was16? How old is he now? Why did he wait? I feel for the children as my own who love Elmo and have grown up with him and learning along with him. I dislike to believe this is happening and hope Elmo stays alive.
Nov 20, 2012
It's sad that it always comes down to "all about the money". We loose another great puppet. Love u Elmo
Nov 21, 2012
I think if it redesign well and gain the popularity of people, it is good. I mean the redesign will be checked by consumers.
Nov 21, 2012
I agree with you and I certainly hope they will contiue Elmo with a new puppetier.
Nov 21, 2012
I will contine to buy Elmo products for my graandchildren. Elmo is not dead.
Nov 21, 2012
don't be such a fool. your comment makes you look ignorant.
Nov 21, 2012
It may be true, it may not. My guess is this got to be too much for Sesame St. I would be EXTREMELY surprised to find that Mr.Stevens returns the money he claimed he received. If he were a true victim, he would have taken him to court in the first place as would anyone who suffered abuse. If the six figured deal actually occurred, it must have run out and he tried to get more. Enough is enough and Mr. Stevens should now have to prove his charges.
Nov 21, 2012
It may be true, it may not. My guess is this got to be too much for Sesame St. I would be EXTREMELY surprised to find that Mr.Stephens returns the money he claimed he received. If he were a true victim, he would have taken Mr. Clash to court first, as would anyone who actually suffered abuse. If the six figure deal actually occurred, it must have run out and he tried to get more. Enough is enough and Mr. Stevens should now have to prove his charges.
A new puppeteer can be found. If the voice is slightly different they can say he's got a cold (which he won't recover from sssh) and kids will get used to it.