Kevin Clash exits from Sesame Street after teen conduct

[pannoni1]

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/12/voice-of-elmo-on-leave-after-denying-relationship-with-teen/comment-page-2/

Just remember there is still a moral code out there to follow. Think before you react.

[sykosis]

This saddens me I hope it's untrue. I just watched this guys biography and gave me a new found respect for that annoying little red monster

[plastroncafe]

Ugh, I'm already pissed off at the misuse of "pedophile."

Even if this is true, even if he did have an inappropriate relationship with a sixteen year old, that's not pedophilia. A sixteen year old is not a child.

[TheCanadiandrome]

wow! crazyness!

[zodiac brave]

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2012/11/a_sex_scandal_hits_sesame_street.php

Man...whether it happened or not, this is heavy. Even elmo can't remained unsullied. I watched Being Elmo and all the respect i've ever had for Clash was doubled...and I've been a fan of his work since around the time TMNT 1 came out and i learned about muppeteers and all the roles he's had.

Hope it ain't true...at least not the way the accuser puts it.

:(

[Jephael]

It's gotta be some kind of hoax or scam. There's no way Kevin Clash could do such a thing!

[Andrew NDB]

Yeah, he gets paid to do funny voices, there's NO WAY could ever do anything bad in his whole life! Preposterous...

[The Stryker]

It's gotta be some kind of hoax or scam. There's no way Kevin Clash could do such a thing!

Wow....really?

[Andrew NDB]

My friend just told me that Rob Paulsen got a parking ticket. Isn't that the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? Impossible!

[Dirty Blond]

http://youtu.be/EuylLeFOSdI

[ZariusTwo]

It's gotta be some kind of hoax or scam. There's no way Kevin Clash could do such a thing!


Two words: Jimmy Savile.

[Raph's Girl]

The kid just wants to cash in on Kevin's cash...:P

Why didn't he come forward 8 years ago?

[Jester]

My friend just told me that Rob Paulsen got a parking ticket. Isn't that the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? Impossible!
NEVER! Rob Paulsen is a saint.


Although I've heard him say dirty words in his podcasts, so....

[gobo]

Like "mud"? They don't get much dirtier than that.

[oldmanwinters]

Hate to hear the reports. Clash has done some great work over his career as a puppeteer.

[Jester]

Indeed, I hope it's not true, but the man's not Elmo, he's an adult male human, and thus fallible.

EDIT: Hadn't read the article...my thoughts went straight to a extra marital affair and not what's being alleged. Again, I hope the allegations are false, but it's very disheartening. And as Turtle fans this has to be a double blow.

[CyberCubed]

He might get fired even if he's innocent. I am sure Sesame Street doesn't want this kind of bad publicity.

Look at the way they removed the Katy Perry Elmo skit based on one scene of bouncing breasts.

[Jephael]

Okay I got a little carried away earlier, but I've been a Muppets fan for most of my life and the news was a little too shocking. It's like telling a Denver Broncos fan that John Elway is a cross-dresser!

[Powder]

This isn't TMNT content. Belongs in the Current Events section.

[Jephael]

This isn't TMNT content. Belongs in the Current Events section.

One could argue that it would be just as fitting to have it in the movie section since we're talking about the guy who played Splinter in the first two New Line films!

[TheCanadiandrome]

Why didn't he come forward 8 years ago?

likely cause like all other victoms, it takes em awhile to get over the trauma and work up the nerve or guts to come forward. it's a growing pattern that all abuse or alleged abuse victoms share

[zodiac brave]

This isn't TMNT content. Belongs in the Current Events section.

i thought about posting it there, and in the tmnt movie section, but not til after i posted it. not that i'll lose any sleep over it, but it was a lil shock upon waking up to read that and i just posted it here. :ohwell:

these things are always kinda hard to judge...it's true, the court of public opinion will probably do more damage than any actual steps taken to further investigate or cover this up or whatever.

i don't know the guy or how sesame street/henson/the "authorities" handled investigating this ( i was gonna type "probing", heh. )but as a fan of dude's work, i gotta say it sucks and is honestly saddening.

i guess we'll see what happens...

[Jester]

This isn't TMNT content. Belongs in the Current Events section.
Yes officer. :D

Seriously man, sometimes you just have to let things like this slide.

[BubblyShell22]

I heard about this on the news. Very shocking to say the least. I don't know if it's true or not, but if it is, it's a sad day for fans of Sesame Street and Kevin Clash. If he's fired, they'll have to replace him, and that might not be easy to do.

[Raph's Girl]

And it's over. The kid has retracted his statements. Stating their relations started AFTER he turned 18. Guess he was just a pissed off former lover.

http://gawker.com/5960293/the-accuser-in-the-elmo-sex-scandal-has-recounted-his-statements-elmo-is-a-free-man

[MikeandRaph87]

And it's over. The kid has retracted his statements. Stating their relations started AFTER he turned 18. Guess he was just a pissed off former lover.

http://gawker.com/5960293/the-accuser-in-the-elmo-sex-scandal-has-recounted-his-statements-elmo-is-a-free-man

I dismissed this guy just like the kid who accused Michael Jackson roughly a decade ago. However, it reads like Clash admitted this relationship actually happened just after the 18th birthday of this guy instead of before.:o Hope it did not happen at all for Clash's sake and Seasame Street due to the memories of early 90s' Seasame Street.

[Raph's Girl]

I dismissed this guy just like the kid who accused Michael Jackson roughly a decade ago. However, it reads like Clash admitted this relationship actually happened just after the 18th birthday of this guy instead of before.:o Hope it did not happen at all for Clash's sake and Seasame Street due to the memories of early 90s' Seasame Street.

Yep. Kevin fully admits to having relations with him.

[MikeandRaph87]

Yep. Kevin fully admits to having relations with him.

:o Consider my mind blown. This is worse than the Peatreaus debacle barring an classified info getting into dangerous hands! I say that because everytime I see Elmo that will be in the back of my mind. A new way of looking at the furry red monster,Baby Sinclair, and Splinter when I watch the three movies....hope we are sparred from Tickle Me Elmo/Hug Me Elmo jokes. A shame,a real shame.

[Cure]

:o Consider my mind blown. This is worse than the Peatreaus debacle barring an classified info getting into dangerous hands! I say that because everytime I see Elmo that will be in the back of my mind. A new way of looking at the furry red monster,Baby Sinclair, and Splinter when I watch the three movies....hope we are sparred from Tickle Me Elmo/Hug Me Elmo jokes. A shame,a real shame.

You don't want people to have personal lives to protect your precious memories? I'd say that's the real shame.

[Roseangelo]

:o Consider my mind blown. This is worse than the Peatreaus debacle barring an classified info getting into dangerous hands! I say that because everytime I see Elmo that will be in the back of my mind. A new way of looking at the furry red monster,Baby Sinclair, and Splinter when I watch the three movies....hope we are sparred from Tickle Me Elmo/Hug Me Elmo jokes. A shame,a real shame.

Wow, really? And are you so naive to believe that anyone and everyone who appears on children's television doesn't have adult relationships?

[TheCanadiandrome]

He's still taking a sabbatical from the show for an unknown length of time also

[zodiac brave]

depending on your politics, your mileage may vary, but i dont think there's anything wrong with what happened...i mean, had it actually been a situation where the kid was a minor, then yes-that's not cool, but if the guy was over 18, then who cares what Clash does in his personal life. Once he's not muppeteering, he's a private person. saying the way he chooses to live his life is wrong because it makes you uncomfortable is your issue and no one elses. in my book, Clash is vindicated.

[sykosis]

hes openly gay, big deal. If the statement has been retracted clearly the guy did it to drag his name through the mud

[cartoonistaaron]

Here's my issue with this (as a gigantic fan of the Muppets): Kevin Clash admitted to the relationship, and Sesame Street confirmed inappropriate use of the internet at work (or something). Obviously something went on. Yeah, an adult relationship is Kevin's business. But my issue is, Kevin does work with kids and teens on occasion, and he should have the discretion to avoid sexual relationships with people 20+ years younger than him. I'm a comic artist, and I've lectured at schools and colleges. I know (even if I wasn't married) that I can't email some cute 18 or 19 year old college girl and chat her up. Yeah, it's legal, and it may not be immoral, but when your career is children's entertainer, you have a certain personal responsibility that goes along with it.

Plus - you are SINGLE-HANDEDLY responsible for something like Elmo, that's much bigger than you. You've got an entire cottage industry built up around that character, and if you ruin your reputation, you risk dragging the character's rep down with it - which could lead to the loss of jobs for people who design and create the products based on your character.

I don't care what he does in his personal life - I will still buy the same number of Elmo products (which is zero). But in his position, he owes it to himself, his family, and the people depending on him (or on Elmo) to exercise better judgment.

Not to mention - isn't his daughter just over 18? It's a little creepy any way you slice it.

[The Stryker]

Here's my issue with this (as a gigantic fan of the Muppets): Kevin Clash admitted to the relationship, and Sesame Street confirmed inappropriate use of the internet at work (or something). Obviously something went on. Yeah, an adult relationship is Kevin's business. But my issue is, Kevin does work with kids and teens on occasion, and he should have the discretion to avoid sexual relationships with people 20+ years younger than him. I'm a comic artist, and I've lectured at schools and colleges. I know (even if I wasn't married) that I can't email some cute 18 or 19 year old college girl and chat her up. Yeah, it's legal, and it may not be immoral, but when your career is children's entertainer, you have a certain personal responsibility that goes along with it.

Plus - you are SINGLE-HANDEDLY responsible for something like Elmo, that's much bigger than you. You've got an entire cottage industry built up around that character, and if you ruin your reputation, you risk dragging the character's rep down with it - which could lead to the loss of jobs for people who design and create the products based on your character.

I don't care what he does in his personal life - I will still buy the same number of Elmo products (which is zero). But in his position, he owes it to himself, his family, and the people depending on him (or on Elmo) to exercise better judgment.

Not to mention - isn't his daughter just over 18? It's a little creepy any way you slice it.

This guy gets it. I really think some people were just waiting to completely forgive the and wash the slate clean when it's not that cut and dry.

[plastroncafe]

How dare this man not be a saint.
How dare he not live up to completely impossible standards.
How dare he not live his life the way approve of.

[The Stryker]

How dare this man not be a saint.
How dare he not live up to completely impossible standards.
How dare he not live his life the way approve of.

Hurray! Hyperbolic statements! Totally what I was saying!

[alliance]

Even though its a kids show bla bla bla

if its legal ITS LEGAL

Many and i MANY guys whos f*cken 40 would love to bang 18 yr olds all day

THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT

i get its a kids show etc, but still.. WHO CARES he didnt break laws and thats all that matters to me personally..its all about what YOU think of it, some guys are offended to nail 18yr olds when youre twice there age, a crap load arent...not many will admit it but c'mon get real..

im so relieved after this, sure, the situation aint appropiate but he didnt commit a crime here guys

he has the right to be forgiven

[CyberCubed]

I never understood how people could think being in a relationship with a young 18-22 year old when they're old enough to be their parents would be a good idea.

Its bad enough when they go on dates and one person looks like the parent rather than the lover.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Here's my issue with this (as a gigantic fan of the Muppets): Kevin Clash admitted to the relationship, and Sesame Street confirmed inappropriate use of the internet at work (or something). Obviously something went on. Yeah, an adult relationship is Kevin's business. But my issue is, Kevin does work with kids and teens on occasion, and he should have the discretion to avoid sexual relationships with people 20+ years younger than him. I'm a comic artist, and I've lectured at schools and colleges. I know (even if I wasn't married) that I can't email some cute 18 or 19 year old college girl and chat her up. Yeah, it's legal, and it may not be immoral, but when your career is children's entertainer, you have a certain personal responsibility that goes along with it.

Plus - you are SINGLE-HANDEDLY responsible for something like Elmo, that's much bigger than you. You've got an entire cottage industry built up around that character, and if you ruin your reputation, you risk dragging the character's rep down with it - which could lead to the loss of jobs for people who design and create the products based on your character.

I don't care what he does in his personal life - I will still buy the same number of Elmo products (which is zero). But in his position, he owes it to himself, his family, and the people depending on him (or on Elmo) to exercise better judgment.

Not to mention - isn't his daughter just over 18? It's a little creepy any way you slice it.

QFT! you definately get it

[Jester]

This kinda (very tangentially) reminds me of the whole Biggs Twitter "controversy". What both Kevin and Jason did was perfectly legal, but it seems they both failed to take into account that they are part of something larger than themselves. When you in essence ARE Elmo (and lets face it, thanks to Being Elmo more people know who Kevin Clash is) you have to take a step back and see how things, though perfectly legal, could still have an ill effect on the character, and everybody tied to him. Hey, where's Leo656? I know he's got something to add.

[CyberCubed]

So what exactly happened? Did he actually leave the show? Are they going to find a new actor for Elmo?

[Jester]

He's was taking a leave of absence before the young man recanted, and may still. Elmo will still be used while he's gone....not sure if they'll use a replacement voice, or just with previously dubbed dialogue.

[zodiac brave]

Here's my issue with this (as a gigantic fan of the Muppets): Kevin Clash admitted to the relationship, and Sesame Street confirmed inappropriate use of the internet at work (or something). Obviously something went on. Yeah, an adult relationship is Kevin's business. But my issue is, Kevin does work with kids and teens on occasion, and he should have the discretion to avoid sexual relationships with people 20+ years younger than him. I'm a comic artist, and I've lectured at schools and colleges. I know (even if I wasn't married) that I can't email some cute 18 or 19 year old college girl and chat her up. Yeah, it's legal, and it may not be immoral, but when your career is children's entertainer, you have a certain personal responsibility that goes along with it.

Plus - you are SINGLE-HANDEDLY responsible for something like Elmo, that's much bigger than you. You've got an entire cottage industry built up around that character, and if you ruin your reputation, you risk dragging the character's rep down with it - which could lead to the loss of jobs for people who design and create the products based on your character.

I don't care what he does in his personal life - I will still buy the same number of Elmo products (which is zero). But in his position, he owes it to himself, his family, and the people depending on him (or on Elmo) to exercise better judgment.

Not to mention - isn't his daughter just over 18? It's a little creepy any way you slice it.

this is all subjective. well thought out and well put and with some very valid points...but still, thats how YOU feel.

[cartoonistaaron]

this is all subjective. well thought out and well put and with some very valid points...but still, thats how YOU feel.

It's not just how I feel - I'm also a children's book illustrator and a part-time puppeteer, so it's how I know parents react. You must act a certain way and hold yourself to a certain standard if you're gonna work with children. Remember Pee Wee? Yeah, that was his personal life, too - and it took him over a decade to come back from that. He still hasn't been welcomed back into the world of children's entertainment.

There are two sides to this - one side says, yes, it's legal and it's his personal business. But the other side is, you're a role model, and unlike, say, a pro athlete, you are squarely in the position to be a role model. So your behavior is going to be held to a higher standard. If it's reasonable for you to act in this manner, it's also reasonable for parents of a kid who might overhear this on TV to maybe steer their kid away from Elmo and towards, I dunno, Dinosaur Train or something.

It's fine for a 45 year old to chase an 18 year old. But what if that 45 year old is a church youth director? And that 18 year old is an impressionable young adult, who two years ago looked up to that youth director? Is it legal? Absolutely. Is it between two consenting adults? Sure is.

But given the youth director's career choice and position, is it a GOOD IDEA?

Just something to think about. It's Kevin's life, after all. I don't hate the guy, not at all, and I'm not really disappointed or anything. I sure don't have the same respect for him that I did before this thing came to light. And I certainly wouldn't want to have to face the questions I'm sure his daughter has for him.

[zodiac brave]

It's not just how I feel - I'm also a children's book illustrator and a part-time puppeteer, so it's how I know parents react. You must act a certain way and hold yourself to a certain standard if you're gonna work with children. Remember Pee Wee? Yeah, that was his personal life, too - and it took him over a decade to come back from that. He still hasn't been welcomed back into the world of children's entertainment.

There are two sides to this - one side says, yes, it's legal and it's his personal business. But the other side is, you're a role model, and unlike, say, a pro athlete, you are squarely in the position to be a role model. So your behavior is going to be held to a higher standard. If it's reasonable for you to act in this manner, it's also reasonable for parents of a kid who might overhear this on TV to maybe steer their kid away from Elmo and towards, I dunno, Dinosaur Train or something.

It's fine for a 45 year old to chase an 18 year old. But what if that 45 year old is a church youth director? And that 18 year old is an impressionable young adult, who two years ago looked up to that youth director? Is it legal? Absolutely. Is it between two consenting adults? Sure is.

But given the youth director's career choice and position, is it a GOOD IDEA?

Just something to think about. It's Kevin's life, after all. I don't hate the guy, not at all, and I'm not really disappointed or anything. I sure don't have the same respect for him that I did before this thing came to light. And I certainly wouldn't want to have to face the questions I'm sure his daughter has for him.

i understand that. but i also understand that there are rarely ever any squarely black and white situations in life. i agree with some of your points and overall understand where you're coming from, but i believe in the benefit of the doubt. and in THIS SPECIFIC situation, if it hadn't gotten to the media via this accuser squawking to them, Clash's actions wouldn't have been scrutinized with such a prejudicial view from the get go. yeah, he's elmo (and is subject to all the scrutiny that comes with that), but he's a person before anything else. i'd rather trust a person that condemn an idea.

EDIT: oh, and i was gonna mention paul reubens, but he originally created peewee as an adult vaudville type character that was then turned into a kid's show. And he's since gone back to that. He never had interest in reigniting the peewee's playhouse as a kid's show idea after the incident and actually had a pretty steady carreer in movies and as a touring comedian.

[rufus]

Kevin Clash to resign and hit with another suit.

http://www.tmz.com/2012/11/20/voice-of-elmo-kevin-clash-resigns-sesame-street/

http://www.tmz.com/2012/11/20/voice-of-elmo-kevin-clash-sued-allegations-sex-underage-boy-sesame-street/

[ZariusTwo]

hqFMbfNgLXs

[Johnny Cutt]

He officially resigned from Sesame Street today.

[Katie]

Wow.

So he paid the first kid $125,000 and part of that deal was to recant the claim......then a second guy claims HE had relations with Clash when he was 15?

I dunno. Sounds like Kevin Clash prefers teenage partners. He needs to learn to like more age appropriate guys.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

Yeah, he gets paid to do funny voices, there's NO WAY could ever do anything bad in his whole life! Preposterous...

I expected this to be much worse, considering we're talking about a man who enjoys putting his hands inside puppets and making funny voices.

[Dirty Blond]

hqFMbfNgLXs

LOL, Zarius. I guess we ignored that warning sign!

[The Stryker]

How dare this man not be a saint.
How dare he not live up to completely impossible standards.
How dare he not live his life the way we approve of.

[CyberCubed]

I don't understand why so many famous people are interested in underage boys.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Wow.

So he paid the first kid $125,000 and part of that deal was to recant the claim......then a second guy claims HE had relations with Clash when he was 15?

I dunno. Sounds like Kevin Clash prefers teenage partners. He needs to learn to like more age appropriate guys.

Kinda makes ya wonder

[cartoonistaaron]

How dare this man not be a saint.
How dare he not live up to completely impossible standards.
How dare he not live his life the way we approve of.

How dare this guy who has presented himself as a role model not adhere to completely reasonable standards.

[The Stryker]

How dare this guy who has presented himself as a role model not adhere to completely reasonable standards.

Psst...I was joking.

[zodiac brave]

sad face emoticon

[Jester]

Psst...I was joking.
Yeah...the sarcasm doesn't carry well through text.

[The Stryker]

I guess reposting a post that was aimed at me wasn't clear enough.

Oh well! Dude likes little boyyyssss.

[Jester]

The internet (and by the internet, I mean me) has a short memory.

[Dirty Blond]

I don't understand why so many famous people are interested in underage boys.

David Icke (the Lizard-People guy) has written extensively on this, for what it's worth.

[Raph's Girl]

So looks like 4 people in all have now come forward saying they had under age relations with Kevin Clash... Oi ve!

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/kevin-clash-elmo-puppeteer-resigns

I find it interesting that the latest victim (a 24 yr old) has stated that he "..did not become aware that he had suffered adverse psychological and emotional effects from Kevin Clash’s sexual acts and conduct until 2012."

Well gee.. that's mighty convenient... :ohwell:

[Jester]

I find it interesting that the latest victim (a 24 yr old) has stated that he
"..did not become aware that he had suffered adverse psychological and emotional effects from Kevin Clash’s sexual acts and conduct until 2012."
Well gee.. that's mighty convenient... :ohwell:
If that's the one I read earlier, I love how the next part of that statement is "and he's seeking "$5 (or something like that) million in damages."

You never want to vilify the victims, but that all together comes of as shady.

[BubblyShell22]

Yeah, sometimes I wonder if this stuff is a ploy to get money. Then again, it just goes to show that past actions can come back to haunt you.

[TheCanadiandrome]

So looks like 4 people in all have now come forward saying they had under age relations with Kevin Clash... Oi ve!

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/kevin-clash-elmo-puppeteer-resigns

I find it interesting that the latest victim (a 24 yr old) has stated that he

Well gee.. that's mighty convenient... :ohwell:

anyone else think this seems all to familiar? like what happened to Michael Jackson?

[NameGoesHere1066]

As a fan of Kevin Clash this really saddens me. Ever sine he did Splinter I have been following his work. How terriable. :cry:

[Gyt Kaliba]

Really sad that it came to this, he seemed like a nice guy based on the Dinosuars and TMNT extras I'd seen with him, but I guess you never know.

I'm still a little leery of this though. I know it happens a lot, but...really? You wait until all this time later to suddenly realize you're traumatized? It all seems a little too convenient to me, like it's just a cash grab, or an attempt to make it all the more known that he's gay, because they know there are people that are going to hate him for that no matter who he did or did not sleep with.

Not to mention that people are going to complain about Elmo period, as if the character itself is now gay and 'after their children'. Because we all know people totally have to be exactly themselves in a role...Neil Patrick Harris. That is all.

[cartoonistaaron]

Really sad that it came to this, he seemed like a nice guy based on the Dinosuars and TMNT extras I'd seen with him, but I guess you never know.

I'm still a little leery of this though. I know it happens a lot, but...really? You wait until all this time later to suddenly realize you're traumatized? It all seems a little too convenient to me, like it's just a cash grab, or an attempt to make it all the more known that he's gay, because they know there are people that are going to hate him for that no matter who he did or did not sleep with.

The problem is, when you mentor kids, you imprint yourself on them as a positive adult figure, and (those of us who remember this period in our lives can attest to this) the transition from adolescence to adulthood is confusing, which can lead to confusing feelings - especially towards mentors who have shown you more attention (and maybe even affection) than anybody in your own age group. What Kevin Clash is being accused of sounds a lot like "grooming."

I agree that it looks like a cash grab - but that doesn't make them *not* victims. Just greedy victims. But them wanting money does not undo what Kevin Clash (allegedly, I guess) did, or make it any less unfortunate.

Again - yes, it's legal for a 40 year old to have sex with an 18 year old. But Kevin Clash was in a position where he should have known better than to be having sex with 18 year olds. I have a friend who is my age (33) who regularly sleeps with girls not yet old enough to drink. It's legal but his reputation in the small town he lives in is terrible. And some people may not care about their reputation - but that's the difference between working in a grocery store (like my friend) or Executive Producing the single biggest children's show ever.

[TurtleFan2012]

He might get fired even if he's innocent. I am sure Sesame Street doesn't want this kind of bad publicity.

Look at the way they removed the Katy Perry Elmo skit based on one scene of bouncing breasts.

That worries me. When you are famous and rich, any guy or woman can accuse you of sexual molestation and get you fired. I find it AWFULLY funny these guys didn't accuse him until he was famous, well known, and rich.

Word of advise, if you are a famous guy who is loved by millions of kids, avoid being alone with them. Their greedy dads can lie on you and sue you.

[Jester]

That worries me. When you are famous and rich, any guy or woman can accuse you of sexual molestation and get you fired. I find it AWFULLY funny these guys didn't accuse him until he was famous, well known, and rich.
Um...the alleged abuses were perpetuated when he was somewhat famous, well known, and rich.

Clash has been a Muppeteer for as long as I've been alive. He may have been a little more anonymous before Being Elmo, but he was still Elmo, and that dude brings in the bank.

[TurtleFan2012]

Um...the alleged abuses were perpetuated when he was somewhat famous, well known, and rich.

Clash has been a Muppeteer for as long as I've been alive. He may have been a little more anonymous before Being Elmo, but he was still Elmo, and that dude brings in the bank.

I feel sorry for the big guy. I could care less about his sexual orientation. I'm more upset he left because of the "victims". Makes me want to hate them. :cry:

[Katie]

Hate the victims? WTF.

If you need to hate anyone hate the guy who ruined his career and possibly his life over stupid decisions.

[The Stryker]

That worries me. When you are famous and rich, any guy or woman can accuse you of sexual molestation and get you fired. I find it AWFULLY funny these guys didn't accuse him until he was famous, well known, and rich.

Word of advise, if you are a famous guy who is loved by millions of kids, avoid being alone with them. Their greedy dads can lie on you and sue you.

I think a better word of warning is to not have sex with little boys.

[Jester]

Isn't the old adage, "Never be caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy"?

[TheCanadiandrome]

Isn't the old adage, "Never be caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy"?
That's a very old adage, never heard of til now

[BubblyShell22]

Yeah, why hate on the victims? Clash is the one who made the choice to do it. He could have been responsible and said no, but he didn't. So, it's his fault.

[shuriken]

I personally don't think that he did anything with the accussor(s) before the age of consent. Although I don't know Clash well enough(or at all, no one on the drome does) to judge. I just hope everyone involved settles this without anyone being emotionally scarred.
He did resign as Elmo though so there's that.

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

I never understood how people could think being in a relationship with a young 18-22 year old when they're old enough to be their parents would be a good idea.

Its bad enough when they go on dates and one person looks like the parent rather than the lover.

Possibly a mix of mid-life crisis and acting on biological attraction without thinking of societal norms. Also, probably not the most mentally mature people either, because what the heck could they have in common?

[TurtleFan2012]

Hate the victims? WTF.

If you need to hate anyone hate the guy who ruined his career and possibly his life over stupid decisions.

OR....the guy was innocent and the "victims" are money grubbers. Notice I said "victims" instead of victims in my last comment. I bet if Clash was a normal guy, they wouldn't said anything. It's that money.

Edit - I am against molestation, rape, or and sex crimes, but I find this whole accusation bullcrap.

[The Stryker]

OR....the guy was innocent and the "victims" are money grubbers. Notice I said "victims" instead of victims in my last comment. I bet if Clash was a normal guy, they wouldn't said anything. It's that money.

Edit - I am against molestation, rape, or and sex crimes, but I find this whole accusation bullcrap.

And why are you so quick to call the victim's accusations bullcrap? You don't know Clash or the people accusing him of all this.

I guess because he did the voice of Splinter he gets the benefit of the doubt?

[Candy Kappa]

I guess because he did the voice of Splinter he gets the benefit of the doubt?

being a part of any TMNT material should at least get you one "jail free" card

[TheCanadiandrome]

So what happens to Elmo now I wonder? Clash was the only voice of Elmo was he not?

[The Stryker]

being a part of any TMNT material should at least get you one "jail free" card

I know you're joking but there are idiots that actually believe that.

So what happens to Elmo now I wonder? Clash was the only voice of Elmo was he not?

I'm sure they can find someone else to do it. Elmo's not exactly a tough voice.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I'm confused. Is he being accused of having had sex with minors, or of having taken advantage of 18 year-olds that he was mentoring because he was in a position of power? There's a big difference.

[zodiac brave]

I'm confused. Is he being accused of having had sex with minors, or of having taken advantage of 18 year-olds that he was mentoring because he was in a position of power? There's a big difference.

i think both. however, the former is damning no matter what. thats what caused the resignation, im sure.

[BubblyShell22]

It was kind of weird to see Elmo at the Macy's parade, but it didn't really sound like Clash's voice unless it was already dubbed. I didn't think they'd have Elmo there at all in light of all of this.

[TheCanadiandrome]

I'm sure they can find someone else to do it. Elmo's not exactly a tough voice.

Yeah I was thinking that too

[Raph's Girl]

So a 3rd victim has come along and is writing a book about it! Oh how fun! :roll:

This guy apparently met Kevin thru a gay chat room when he was 16.

Warning: His "encounters" with Kevin are described a bit in detail.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Elmo-Puppeteer-Kevin-Clash-Third-Underage-Sex-Allegation-1056908.aspx

[Bjarni]

Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

He is basically being murdered by the mainstream media because he's a homosexual.

A teacher in my country HANGED HIMSELF after the newspapers decided to break similar accusations.

Whatever happened, it wouldn't help the accused or any potential victims to go to such lengths to converse about it and in the meantime, possibly destroying an innocent man's career.

[The Stryker]

Why would the victim's care about the dude's life? They're the victims!

Also he's not being beaten in the media because he's gay. It's because he's gay for underage boys (Alledgedly. Before the Splinter brigade jumps on my ass)

[Bjarni]

Why would the victim's care about the dude's life? They're the victims!

The third guy that came forward said he was a wonderful individual. Sure showed that appreciation by staying silent about his "molestation" until other two guys came forward and then stating that he too thought they were just doing so for the money before advertising his own book about it...

I have very little knowledge or respect for Kevin Clash. I never watched Elmo and I haven't seen that documentary which I'm sure paints a very realistic picture of who he is. But from the news stories I've read thus far, don't only make a big deal out of the fact that the kid was 16 and therefor underage, but also that the kid was a boy. These news organizations don't care about breaking the story first, they like the money they get for printing scandalous news stories. All of these kids can be telling the truth. It's happening over and over again that people in power, be it in the entertainment industry or anywhere else abuse people younger than themselves and they come forward one at a time years later. But it's one thing to file a police report and another thing to publicly destroy someone's entire life.
The first kid retracted everything after he supposedly got paid (I'm basing this only on what I've read in various news stories plastered on the Internet) and as soon as he got his money, he made a new statement to the press.
He's also the only one that claims to have been abused, the others claim to have been in a relationship with the man and the legality of that matter differs heavily from state to state to country to country. Having a consensual relationship with a 16 year old (even if you are 40) is not illegal in various places in the world.

The fact of the matter is, I feel I shouldn't know this much about the case. This should be discussed in a court of law and not on every single Internet message board.

[Sage Ninja]

fourth alleged victim steps foward.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/10/elmo-sex-scandal-fourth-allegation-for-kevin-clash_n_2271111.html

A fourth man has come forward with claims that he had a sexual relationship with Elmo's puppeteer when the accuser was 16.

The newest allegations heat up the firestorm that's engulfed Kevin Clash, formerly an integral member of "Sesame Street." Clash resigned as Elmo's voice and puppeteer in November when several men filed lawsuits claiming that they had sex with him while they were underage teens.

NBC News uncovered the latest lawsuit that was filed on Monday by a man identified as John Doe. The suit claims that Clash was in his mid-30s when in 1995 he befriended the alleged 16-year-old victim. Clash reportedly flew the teen from Miami to New York, where the two engaged in sexual activity.

Well-known sex abuse lawyer Jeff Herman represents three of the accusers, including the newest man.

"According to our lawsuit, Kevin Clash knowingly paid to transport a minor across state lines for the purpose of satisfying his sexual interests," a statement from Herman said.

Herman didn't immediately return calls for comment from The Huffington Post.

Last month, another unidentified accuser said he was 16 when he had sex with Clash in 2000. A week before, now-24-year-old Cecil Singleton filed suit, claiming that the two had inappropriate contact when Singleton was 15.

The first accuser later recanted his claims that he and Clash had sex. But he then recanted his denial, saying that Clash's attorneys pressured him into a settlement.

The allegations cost Clash his job and recently an upcoming Warner Bros. film that would've featured him.

Clash's camp has denied the allegations but Clash hasn't delved into specifics about any case.

[Dirty Blond]

Is Kevin Clash an ephebophile?

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

Having a consensual relationship with a 16 year old (even if you are 40) is not illegal in various places in the world.


It is in several US states, though.

I actually thought it was 18 across the board until I watched a Penn and Teller episode. In NY, where Sesame Street is made, it's 17.

I agree that everyone is "innocent is proven guilty", and shows like say, Nancy Grace, that promote the opposite view, anger me. At the same time though, I don't think this many people would be stepping up unless they had a reason to and could back up their claims.

[Dirty Blond]

this many people would be stepping up

We need a Post-Here-If-You've-Ever-Been-With-Kevin-Clash thread.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Wow this just keeps getting worse

[shuriken]

It sucks that Clash is under such scrutiny, but he brought it all upon himself unfortunately. One person coming out is one thing, but four is a whole new level of terrible. Whether or not it's consentual, he should have know better. I've worked with teens and kids and there are things you just don't/ can't do, even if it seems harmless.

[rufus]

http://www.tmz.com/2013/03/01/elmo-kevin-clash-underage-sex-lawsuit-dismissal/