Kevin Clash, the man behind "Sesame Street's" famous Elmo and the star of the acclaimed documentary, "Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey," has taken leave from "Sesame Street" after allegations surfaced that he had a sexual relationship with an 16-year-old.
Clash who played Elmo since 1984, has denied the charges. The Washington Post reported that a now 23-year-old man alleged that he had a sexual relationship with Clash starting when he was 16 and Sesame Workship has met with the accuser twice.
Clash said to ABC News in a statement, "I am a gay man. I have never been ashamed of this or tried to hide it, but felt it was a personal and private matter. I had a relationship with the accuser. It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to characterize it as something other than what it was."
Sesame Workshop said to the Washington Post that after a "thorough investigation...found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated."
"Kevin exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding internet usage and he was disciplined," said Sesame Workshop to The Washington Post.
Clash said to ABC News, "I am taking a break from Sesame Workshop to deal with this false and defamatory allegation."
The allegations were first brought to light to Sesame Workshop, which is the nonprofit that produces Sesame Street, in June by the man accusing Clash.
ABC News reported that Clash's accuser is being represented by Andreozzi and Associates, which is the same firm that represented Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky, convicted of sexual abuse to children.
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