– Elmo Puppeteer On Leave Following Child Molestation Accusations (ZeroHedge, Nov 12, 2012):
First the BBC, then CIA, then Lockheed… and now Elmo!? AP reports, that: “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.”” And yes, it appears that even for those who have their hand up Elmo all day long, nothing is sacred any more. The silver lining: Kevin Clash was not scheduled to testify on Benghazi.
The organization said 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.
Read moreSesame Street’s Elmo Puppeteer On Leave Following Child Molestation Accusations
