Kevin Clash, the "voice of Elmo" on Sesame Street, is being sued for underage sex crimes and his accuser has stepped up the charges by claiming his illegal encounters were fueled by drugs.
According to an article published by Newser on March 19, 2013, Sheldon Stephens has officially sued the puppeteer and provided more sordid details from the time he was 16 and allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with Clash.
It seems it's all about hush money. After the explosive allegations were first revealed last year, Clash stepped down from his role as Elmo's voice. Since then, Stephens recanted his story, allegedly in anticipation of a cash settlement. When that fell through, Stephens officially filed legal charges and is now proceeding with his lawsuit.
That's where it gets truly nasty.
According to the suit, Clash had Stephens picked up by limo and brought to his New York apartment. It was there that Stephens alleges he engaged in underage sex, fueled by crystal meth, provided by Clash. All the while the chauffeur watched and masturbated to the disturbing scene.
Three other accusers have stepped forward and Kevin Clash is not claiming their allegations aren't true, only that the statute of limitations has run out on the criminal charges. That's a pretty weak defense, and Clash's career is definitely over.
But, Elmo seems to be weathering the storm. Clash's understudies have picked up the slack and the popular character carries on as if nothing has happened.
What do you think?
Should the Elmo character be retired? Or would that be unfair to the fans?
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