This Jan. 24, 2011 photo shows 'Sesame Street' muppet Elmo and puppeteer Kevin Clash.
by Gary Levin, USA TODAY
The unidentified man who accused Sesame Street's
Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of sexual abuse has recanted his account,
and now says he was an adult at the time of their relationship.
Attorney
Andreozzi & Associates, which acknowledged representing the
23-year-old man, said Tuesday, "He wants it to be known that his sexual
relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship," and
said he would have no further comment. The firm has also represented
victims of Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky.
"I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest," Clash said in a statement. "I will not discuss it further."
The
man had said he and Clash, 52, initiated a sexual relationship seven
years ago, at age 16, initiating a storm of media coverage when TMZ.com
reported the story Monday. Clash admitted the relationship but denied
the man was a minor. "I am deeply saddened that he is trying to
characterize it as something other than what it was," he said in
Monday's statement.
Clash took a leave of absence to refute the
charges, and Sesame Workshop said understudies would begin voicing the
beloved Muppet character in the interim. The company has not yet
responded to a request for comment.
Copyright 2012 USATODAY.com