Kevin Clash, the famous voice behind Sesame Street’s Elmo, America’s favorite furry red monster, has taken a leave of absence from his puppeteer duties effective immediately after allegations he had an intimate relationship several years ago with a then 16-year-old-boy continue to plague him.
If the allegations are true – which Clash vehemently denies – it appears someone should have spent a little less time on his ABC’s and a little more time practicing how to count to 17, the legal age of consent in the state of New York, where the relationship in question occurred.
![Elmo 1](http://joashline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Elmo-1.jpg)
And just like that, “Tickle Me Elmo” takes on a whole new meaning.
UPDATE: Accuser has recanted his allegations;
“He wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship,” according to a statement issued by the unidentified man’s representative, Andreozzi & Associates. “He will have no further comment on the matter.”