Kevin Clash, the Voice of Elmo, Resigns Amidst Sexual Abuse Rumors

After weeks of allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a underage boy, the man who has voiced Elmo on 'Sesame Street' is stepping down. Clash, who has been the voice of Elmo since 1983, will n longer be in the role. Both him and 'Sesame Street' workshop agreed that amidst the allegations, it would be a good idea for him to step down. Clash made that announcement this morning.

Sesame Workshop’s 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 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. This is a sad day for Sesame Street.

- Sesame Street Workshop

The sexual allegations came in to play last Monday, when the now 24 year old accuser said that Clash seduced him when he was 16. Clash maintains his innocence.

[New York Times]