Joshua Gillespie, co-creator of a popular "Muppet History" account, has issued a public apology after several women accused him of inappropriate behavior and online harassment.

The account, which boasts over half a million followers and celebrates the legacy of Jim Henson's Muppets, has recently garnered criticism for Gillespie's alleged misuse of the platform.

In a statement, Gillespie admitted to exploiting the platform to do "inappropriate things" and acknowledged his actions were "against everything Jim Henson stood for." He pledged to seek help and learn from his mistakes.

The controversy began when Megan, a Muppets fan and collector, shared screenshots of explicit messages allegedly sent by Gillespie. Her revelations prompted other women to come forward with similar allegations, including claims of harassment and boundary violations.

Beloved Muppets Fan Apologizes for Using X Account to Sexually
Screenshots posted by Megan on her Instagram account, @malonespops. On the left is the alleged message that prompted Megan to speak out, on the right are two messages she says she's received from women with similar stories. @malonespops on Instagram

Gillespie and his wife, Holly, who co-manages the account, responded with a joint statement apologizing and announcing a temporary hiatus from personal postings. They admitted to "overstepping boundaries" and promised to reflect and improve.

Fans responded to the apology with mixed reactions, with some calling for the account to shut down entirely. Megan, the initial whistleblower, expressed her determination to hold the couple accountable, stating, "I will not let him reduce it to nothing."

The future of the @HistoryMuppet account remains uncertain, as fans continue to grapple with the allegations and their impact on the beloved Muppets community.

Originally published by Latin Times.

Tags
Sexual Harassment, Women, Instagram