This story gives new meaning to the term “role play”.

Sesame Street’s little red dynamo, Elmo, is in the news today.  Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo, has been accused of statutory rape as a result of a sexual relationship seven years ago by a now 23-year-old man.

"In June of this year, Sesame Workshop received a communication from a young man who alleged that he had a relationship with Kevin Clash beginning when he was 16-years-old. This was a personal relationship, unrelated to the workplace. We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action.  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.  Elmo is bigger than any one person and will continue to be an integral part of Sesame Street to engage, educate and inspire children around the world." – Sesame Workshop

The Emmy-winning puppeteer has acknowledged a consensual relationship with the accuser but that the allegation of underage conduct is false and defamatory so he is expected to take actions to protect his reputation.

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