Elmo Actor Kevin Clash Resigns From Sesame Workshop

Kevin Clash, the puppeteer best known for giving life and voice to "Sesame Street" character Elmo, has resigned from Sesame Workshop.

In a statement the children's programmer said that Clash concluded that allegations that he had a sexual relationship with an underage man had become a "distraction." Clash is leaving his workplace of 28 years despite the fact that his accuser recanted his allegations within 48 hours of going public with his claims. Through his law firm, he said that his relationship with Clash was "...an adult consensual relationship."

In a statement, Sesame Workshop expressed sorrow over Clash's resignation.

"Sesame Workshop's mission is to harness the educational power of media to help all children the world over reach their highest potential," the statement reads. Kevin Clash has helped us achieve that mission for 28 years, and none of us, especially Kevin, want anything to divert our attention from our focus on serving as a leading educational organization."

Sesame Workshop said that Clash has decided that he can no longer be effective in his job in the wake of the scandal.

"This is a sad day for Sesame Street," Sesame Workshop said in a statement.

Clash maintained his innocence throughout the allegations, but did take a leave of absence. At the time, Sesame Workshop did not comment specifically on the allegations' merits, but said that Clash was disciplined after he had "exercised poor judgment" and "violated company policy regarding internet usage."

Clash was the subject of the 2011 documentary "Being Elmo," which chronicled his life story -- from growing up in Baltimore, Maryland to helping create on of the most beloved characters in children's entertainment.

During a promotional interview on NPR's "Fresh Air" for the film, Clash recounted the excitement that comes over children who visit the "Sesame Street" set.

"They run to Elmo because it's a friend of theirs that they've been talking to and communicating with and singing with for so many years," Clash said. "We've found that the delusion is not broken by seeing us puppeteers. They see the characters in front of them. ... I get humbled by it all the time. The things that they tell Elmo, the expression on their face when they see their friend."

More to come...

Related Articles:

'Elmo' Puppeteer Kevin Clash on Leave After Underage-Sex Accusations

Elmo Puppeteer Cleared of Under-Age Sexual Relationship After Accuser Recants Story

Bruised by Debate, Obama Returns to Hollywood's Embrace: 'Elmo Has Made a Run for It'