Celebrity News November 13, 2012
Elmo Drama Averted: Accuser Clears Kevin Clash of Abuse
The man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of sexual misconduct has recanted his underage sex allegation.
The now-23-year-old individual, who initially claimed he had a relationship with Clash when he was only 16, now says that the two had an "adult consensual relationship," as Clash previously stated.
The young man's attorney released a statement to E! Online saying, "This office represented the 23-year-old man who was the subject of many media reports regarding Kevin Clash. He wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. He will have no further comment on the matter."
Clash also issued his own statement in response: "I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further."
On Monday, Clash confirmed he is gay and admitted to once having a relationship with the accuser, but insisted that it was not illegal.
Clash took time off from Sesame Street to deal with the charges, but it looks like he'll be resuming his Elmo duties soon. Sesame Street Workshop responded on Tuesday, via a statement on its website, "we are pleased that this matter has been brought to a close, and we are happy that Kevin can move on from this unfortunate episode."
