9:45 am, November 12th, 2012
(GettyImages.com)
Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo on “Sesame Street,” has taken a leave of absence from the show amid allegations he had a sexual relationship with a teenage boy.
A 23-year-old man claims he and Clash began the relationship seven years ago, when he was just 16.
Clash has reportedly acknowledged being involved with the unidentified man as an adult, but strongly denies the accusations that their sexual history began when the man was still underage.
Sesame Workshop has met with the accuser and investigated his claims, reportedly determining that the underage sex allegations are unsubstantiated, according to TMZ.
A series of messages between Clash and the accuser do not directly indicate a sexual relationship, although Sesame Workshop personnel have reportedly deemed them an inappropriate use of company e-mail.
Clash calls the allegations false and defamatory.
In a statement to TMZ, the voice actor says, “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.”
As for the leave of absence, Sesame Workshop explains, “Kevin insists that these allegations are false and defamatory and he has taken actions to protect his reputation. We have granted him a leave of absence to do so.”
Gossip Cop will have updates.
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