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In case you’ve been under a heavy rock somewhere, the child-like voice of character Elmo comes from a man named Kevin Clash, who up until this week was a God in the eyes of parents and young kids. A few days ago, the 52-year-old actor was accused of engaging in underage sexual activity with an unknown 16-year-old. E-mails with questionable content were found in Clash’s Sesame Street e-mail. “I want you to know that I love you and I will never hurt you. I’m here to protect you and make sure your dreams come true,” said the alleged messages. “I’ll have my assistant book a ticket for you to come to NY and we can talk about this in person.”

Today, his accuser recanted his statement, reports Gothamist:

“This office represented a 23-year-old man who was the subject of many media reports regarding Kevin Clash. He wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. He will have no further comment on the matter.”

Clash responded, saying: “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further.”

Clash is currently on a leave of absence.

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