Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash, Sent Apology Email For "Constantly Talking About Sex"
Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind Elmo, Sesame Street's most visible character, got into trouble with the show for sending an inappropriate email to his former lover.
According to a report, Clash apologized profusely to the unidentified male for constantly "talking about sex."
"I'm sorry that I keep talking about sex with you, it's driving me insane," Clash reportedly said.
"I want you to know that I love you and I will never hurt you," Clash wrote. "I'm here to protect you and make sure your dreams come true. I'll have my assistant book a ticket for you to come to NY and we can talk about this in person."
Clash, 52, is currently taking a leave of absence from the show amid accusations he engaged in a relationship with an underage teen.
It was reported on Monday, Nov. 12 that the Sesame Workshop conducted an investigation that led to Clash being disciplined because he had "violated company policy regarding internet usage."
Following Sesame Street's statement, Clash came out to his fans and announced he was taking a leave of absence due to allegations of being intimate with a minor. Clash confirmed he'd been in a relationship with the accuser, but not when he was a minor. He admitted that he sent the email after the man turned 18, according to TMZ.
Attorneys for the famed children's show were contacted by the now 23-year-old man who claims to have had a sexual relationship with Clash seven years ago when he was 16.
Clash, who has been the voice and personality behind Elmo for 28 years, defended the accusations in a statement: "I am a gay man. I have never been ashamed of this or tried to hide it, but felt it was a personal and private matter. I had a relationship with the accuser. It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to characterize it as something other than what it was."
"I am taking a break from Sesame Workshop to deal with this false and defamatory allegation," he added.
