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3rd Accuser Claims Underage Sexual Relationship With Elmo Puppeteer
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 27, 2012
Modified Nov 27, 2012
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By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 27, 2012
Modified Nov 27, 2012
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Last week, Jeff Herman, the lawyer for the second man who accused Elmo puppeteer and Sesame Street creative Kevin Clash of sexual abuse, had said that more men were coming forward with claims of abuse. Today, Herman filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man who says that Clash plied him with alcohol and performed oral sex on him when he was just 16.
The accuser is anonymous and referred to in the lawsuit as "John Doe." The suit says, "At 16 years old, John went on a gay chat line to meet friends who were also gay. John specifically stated his intention on the chat line as non-sexual. John was contacted through the chat line by Kevin Clash. Kevin Clash said his name was Craig and he was 30 years old. Kevin Clash was approximately 40 years old at the time."
The accuser allegedly noticed Elmo dolls and photos of Elmo with celebrities in Clash's apartment. Additionally, the suit claims, "Kevin Clash gave John alcohol and groomed him. Kevin Clash engaged in sexual contact, including oral sex," noting this was John's first sexual experience.
Clash's spokeswoman said, "Mr. Clash believes this suit has no merit." Clash, who has been integral to training other Muppeteers and even directing segments of Sesame Street, has resigned from his position at the beloved children's show.
Two weeks ago, Sheldon Stephens accused Clash of an underage relationship, but then recanted the claims (allegedly after a $125,000 settlement that Stephens later regretted). Then Cecil Singleton sued Clash for $5 million, saying that he was 15 when Clash preyed upon him. Singleton has met with the NYPD and Manhattan DA's office.
Tagged
cecil singleton
jeff herman
kevin clash
lawsuit
sesame street
sexual abuse
sheldon stephens
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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