Elmo as we knew him will be no more.
Kevin Clash, the puppeteer and voice behind Elmo, has resigned from Sesame Street today. His resignation comes after a series of allegations from accusers who claim Clash had sexual relationships with them when they were minors.
Clash's first accuser, who later recanted his statement, alleged that he had a sexual relationship with Clash while he was 16. Though the matter seemed to be resolved, TMZ now reports that another accuser, Cecil Singleton, has stepped forward with allegations that he had inappropariate relations (while underage) with the Being Elmo star.
And in the wake of it all, both Kevin Clash and Sesame Workshop believe that it would best for Clash to leave the beloved children's show.
| Related: Kevin Clash Takes Leave Of Absence From 'Sesame Street' After Alleged Relationship With A Minor |
"I am resigning from Sesame Workshop with a very heavy heart. I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization," Clash says in a statement. "Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work Sesame Street is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately."
Sesame Workshop released a statement as well, noting that their "mission is to harness the educational power of media to help all children the world over reach their highest potential. Kevin Clash has helped us achieve that mission for 28 years, and none of us, especially Kevin, want anything to divert our attention from our focus on serving as a leading educational organization."
"Unfortunately," the statement continues, "the controversy surrounding Kevin's personal life has become a distraction that none of us want, and he has concluded that he can no longer be effective in his job and has resigned from Sesame Street."
The statement ends with the single thought that is on everyone's minds: "This is a sad day for Sesame Street."
The character of Elmo, however, will continue. "Elmo is bigger than any one person and will continue to be an integral part of Sesame Street to engage, educate, and inspire children around the world, as it has for 40 years," Sesame Workshop stated when Clash first took a leave of absence from the show.
What do you think about Kevin Clash leaving Sesame Street? Comment below!
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[The New York Times]
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