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Kevin Clash's Accuser Seeking New Lawyers, Wants Settlement Undone
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 19, 2012
Modified Nov 19, 2012
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 19, 2012
Modified Nov 19, 2012
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It's only been one week since the news broke and already the man who is accusing Kevin Clash of having a sexual relationship with him when he was only 16 years old has changed his story repeatedly. Sheldon Stephens, also known as Sheldon Xzavier, first accused the voice actor of Sesame Street's Elmo of having sex with him when he was underage, something Clash has denied, though he admitted to having a consensual sexual relationship with Stephens once he was of age. By the end of last week Stephens had recanted his original claims and settled for $125,000, under the condition that he would not be able to say anything further about the case, ever. And now Stephens wants the settlement undone, saying he was pressured into it.
According to TMZ, Stephens is interviewing lawyers to help him undo the settlement, and is willing to forfeit the $125,000. Stephens says he wants his name cleared and was telling the truth the first time—"he is saying he was literally crying during the final negotiations and repeatedly said he didn't want to sign."
Throughout the initial allegations Stephens had remained anonymous, until his name and much of his life was revealed by the Smoking Gun—a life that includes a police record and mug shots.
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elmo
kevin clash
sheldon stephens
sheldon xzavier
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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