Kevin Clash, 'Elmo' Puppeteer Accused of Crystal Meth Use in Sex Scandal
Kevin Clash, the former Sesame Street puppeteer is making headlines again, with one of the original accusers in the sex scandal adding more allegations.
Sheldon Stephens was one of the first accusers to step forward and admitted that he allegedly had a sexual relationship with Clash before he was of age. Stephens, 24, is now claiming that the puppeteer smoked crystal meth during their sex-capades and fed him drugs.
"I was taken advantage of by someone a lot older, and manipulated," Stephens, told a Manhattan news conference on Tuesday.
Clash reportedly told Stephens he would help him with his acting career and "asked Sheldon to send him modeling pictures and information so he could pass it around to people in the industry," according to the complaint.
The two kept in touch by phone meeting for the first time and later began a sexual affair that lasted several years, the suit indicated.
In the complaint, he also claimed that Kevin would usually send a chauffeur to bring him to his house, and it wasn't uncommon for the driver to participate in their 'sex' party and that Clash smoked meth while engaging in sexual activity with Stephens.
"While in the apartment, Clash smoked crystal meth while engaging in sexual activity with Sheldon. Clash also gave Sheldon 'poppers' as a sexual aide. While Clash had sexual contact with Sheldon, the chaffer (sic) watched and masturbated," the suit said.
During the news conference, Stephens said he only took action after watching Sesame Street with his young nieces: "When I started to realize my nieces were idolizing this character, it just disgusted me inside because I knew what had happened to me."
The former voice of Elmo avoided charges due to lack of evidence and a few technicalities.
Stephans recanted the allegations after being promised a $125,000 settlement. The agreement fell apart, reports said, and now Stephens is headed to court.
Clash's attorney Michael Berger released a statement which he called the suit "meritless" and said it exceeded the statute of limitations. "The plaintiff has already admitted in writing that he had 'an adult consensual relationship' with Mr. Clash," said the statement. "Mr. Clash continues to deny any wrongdoing, and we intend to defend this case forcefully."
Three other men have also come forward and are suing Clash, alleging underage sex. Clash resigned from Sesame Street in November.
