By Kevin McCauley
Kevin Clash, the voice and puppeteer of Sesame Street’s Elmo, has hired Risa Heller Communications to deal with the fallout from an accusation that he had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy eight years ago.
Clash |
The 52-year-old Clash says the relationship was between “two consenting adults” and he’s deeply saddened that his former partner is “trying to make it into something it was not.” Clash added that he never tried to hide the fact that he’s gay, “but felt it was a personal and private matter.”
Clash has taken a leave of absence from the show. [The accuser recanted his claim later on Nov. 13.]
Sesame Workshop, producer of Sesame Street, says it investigated the matter and granted Clash the leave so he can “deal with this false and defamatory allegation.”
FTI Consulting works with Sesame Workshop.
The show is using replacements for Clash on the Elmo character during PBS tapings of the show this week.
Heller told the New York Times that Clash is not available for comment.
She launched her New York City shop after serving as spokesperson for Empire State Senator Chuck Schumer and former Governor David Paterson. She also lent a crisis hand to former Brooklyn/Queens Congressman Anthony Weiner during his “WeinerGate” distraction.
[Updated 11/20: Clash resigned on Nov. 20.]
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