Elmo's Kevin Clash: Accuser Recants Abuse Allegations, Says They Had "Adult Consensual Relationship"

Sesame Street puppeteer says he is “relieved” the accusations have been put to rest

By Alyssa Toomey Nov 13, 2012 11:19 PMTags
Kevin Clash Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Good news for Elmo: Kevin Clash's accuser is changing his tune.

The now-23-year-old man who accused the famed puppeteer of an illegal relationship has recanted his allegations and now says that the two had an "adult consensual relationship" as Clash previously claimed.

The accuser's attorney released a statement to E! News, clarifying the nature of his relationship with 52-year-old Clash.

Elmo's Kevin Clash confirms he's gay and had a relationship with the accuser 

"This office represented the 23-year-old man who was the subject of many media reports regarding Kevin Clash. He wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. He will have no further comment on the matter."

Clash also issued his own statement in response:

"I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest," the Emmy-winning Muppet man said. "I will not discuss it further." 

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Sesame Street Workshop has also responded to matter via a statement on its website that "we are pleased that this matter has been brought to a close, and we are happy that Kevin can move on from this unfortunate episode."

On Monday, Clash confirmed he is gay and that he had had a relationship with the accuser, but insisted it was not an illegal one. He also took a break from Sesame Street to deal with the charges.