Kevin Clash Paid Sex Accuser 125k to Recant Story: Report
Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash paid his sex accuser 23-year-old Sheldon Stephens $125,000 to recant his story, TMZ reported.
Stephens recanted his accusation Tuesday that Clash had a sexual relationship with him when he was just 16-years-old. Clash admitted he had a relationship with Stephens but said it was between two consenting adults.
TMZ claims to have obtained the terms of the settlement.
"Under the terms of the settlement, Clash agreed to pay Stephens 125k," TMZ reports citing multiple sources.
"Stephens agrees that immediately upon execution of this Agreement, his counsel, Andreozzi & Associates, P.C., shall release the [following] statement ... 'He [Stephens] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship,'" the celebrities' site notes.
In a statement to People Magazine Clash said:"I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further."
Sesame Workshop expressed relief.
"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," the organization behind Sesame Street said in a statement.
