Tickle Me, Elmo...

[AUChizad]

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-kevin-clash-elmo-teen-boy-sesame-street-20121112,0,3759760.story

Elmo's Kevin Clash on leave after accusations of relationship with boy

Elmo Voice Actor Denies Teen-Sex Allegations
By Meredith Blake

November 12, 2012, 10:10 a.m.

Kevin Clash, the man who has voiced “Sesame Street’s” beloved Elmo character for the past 27 years, has been put on leave from the show amid claims of an inappropriate relationship with a teenage boy.

In a statement released Monday morning, Sesame Workshop, the company that produces the long-running children's educational program, explained that it received an email in June from a man, now 23, who contended that he had a sexual relationship with Clash beginning when he was 16.

The company stated that it conducted a “thorough investigation,” including two meetings with the accuser, and found his claims regarding underage sexual contact to be “unsubstantiated.” According to TMZ, Clash has admitted to a sexual relationship with the young man, but says it did not take place until after he had turned 18.

However, Sesame Workshop’s investigation “did reveal that Kevin exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding internet usage and he was disciplined.”

The statement also stressed that Clash, who insists on his innocence, “is taking actions to protect his reputation,” and that the leave of absence was granted for this reason. The puppeteer was the subject of a largely flattering documentary, “Being Elmo,” released last year.

Whatever the truth may be, Sesame Workshop appears determined to protect one of its most popular characters. “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, as it has for 40 years,” Sesame Workshop said.

The scandal comes at an awkward time for “Sesame Street,” which unexpectedly became a hot-button issue during this year’s presidential campaign. 

Makes me want to see this movie now.

[CCTAU]

A grown man that gets paid to play with dolls?

[AUChizad]

Commence the tickling.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/man-who-accused-elmo-puppeteer-teen-sex-recants

Man who accused Elmo puppeteer of teen sex recants
Nov. 13 5:43 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — The man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a teen now says it isn't so.

The man is now saying his sexual relationship with Clash was adult and consensual.

In response to the statement Tuesday afternoon, Clash issued a statement of his own, saying he is "relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest."

The man, who has not identified himself, released his statement through the Harrisburg, Pa., law firm of Andreozzi & Associates.

On Monday, Sesame Workshop said Clash had taken a leave of absence from "Sesame Street" after allegations came to light that he had had a relationship with a 16-year-old. Clash denied the charges from the man, who is now in his early 20s.

[AUChizad]

Not so fast, my friend...

Former Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash faces third underage sex allegation
Updated: Nov 28, 2012 11:06 AM CST

    Kevin Clash, Elmo puppeteer, resigns amid growing sex scandal

By Sadie Gennis,

A third man has come forward accusing former Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a minor, The New York Post reports.

According to the lawsuit filed on Tuesday in Manhattan Federal Court, the incident happened when the plaintiff, named in the papers as John Doe and who's now in his late 20s, was 16.

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"At 16 years old, John went on a gay chat line to meet friends who were also gay," the lawsuit claims. "John specifically stated his intention on the chat line as non-sexual. John was contacted through the chat line by Kevin Clash. Kevin Clash said his name was Craig and he was 30 years old. Kevin Clash was approximately 40 years old at the time."

The relationship quickly escalated, according to the papers. "Kevin Clash gave John alcohol and groomed him," the lawsuit states. "Kevin Clash engaged in sexual contact, including oral sex."

John Doe has started writing a book about his relationship with Clash. Excerpts from the unpublished work were read by the accuser's attorney during a press conference on Tuesday.

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"When we first met I was 16 and there was no intercourse; however lots of heavy kissing and he showed me what it felt like to get on your knees and obey your man," one excerpt read.

The reading even included the disturbing detail: "Mr. Tickler is what I will call him and the game we played was father and son."

The accuser added in a prepared statement: "I am only coming forward in support for the two victims that were accused as liars. I too at first thought it was a money thing and wanted to stay silent, but Cecil's story reflects mine and deserves validation. Just say sorry so we can all move on with our lives. I pray that Kevin seeks help, because under these sexual demons is an incredible man."

Clash's rep Risa Heller told the Post that "Mr. Clash believes this suit has no merit."

Clash, who had played Sesame Street's beloved Elmo since 1984, resigned last week after two other men, Sheldon Stephens and Cecil Singleton, made similar underage sex accusations.

[Buzz Killington]

Geez...he's going for Sandusky status.

[Godfather]

Geez...he's going for Sandusky status.

Says the guy who likes penis

[Snaggletiger]

Says the guy who likes penis

He sooo wants to know what it feels like to get on your knees and obey your man.

[chinook]

He sooo wants to know what it feels like to get on your knees and obey your man.

yo snags, even that bird has balls!