Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind Elmo, has resigned from Sesame Street after a second man has come forward to accuse him of having a sexual relationship with a minor.
We reported on Clash’s initial accusation and how that accusation was then recanted, but TMZ has reported that a second man, Cecil Singleton, now in his 30s, has come forward to claim he also had a sexual relationship with the puppeteer while Clash was in his 30s and Singleton was just a teen. Singleton has filed a suit and is seeking more than $5 million in damages.
Following the accusations from his second accuser, Clash has apparently resigned from Sesame Street, calling the allegations “a distraction.” We’ll bet.
The Associated Press tweeted, confirming the story:
#Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash has resigned from “Sesame Street” in the wake of sex allegations: apne.ws/UcYR62
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2012
Sesame Street Workshop, Clash’s now former employer, has released a statement, reading in part:
Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding Kevin’s personal life has become a distraction that none of us want, and he has concluded that he can no longer be effective in his job and has resigned from Sesame Street. This is a sad day for Sesame Street.
Meanwhile, Clash’s first accuser, Sheldon Stephens, has since expressed regret over accepting a settlement to withdraw the charges he leveled against the long-time puppeteer and iconic voice of the crimson muppet.
While we’d probably all like this to mark the end of this ugly, childhood-marring story, it’s probably just the beginning, so put on a cup of tea and try and think happy thoughts, everyone.
(via TMZ, image via 92YTribeca)
- First man accuses Kevin Clash of sexual relationship with a minor
- First accuser recants story
- Here’s a happy video of Fraggles singing with Ben Folds. We need this right now
