Kevin Clash, who voiced Elmo from 1984 to 2012, left the show after sexual abuse allegations against him came to light. According to Rare, multiple men came forward accusing the voice actor of sexually abusing them when they were underage. Many of the lawsuits said that Clash used his status and his wealth to lure young boys in with fancy dinners and money.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Clash was accused by five men, all of whom were adults at the time their accusations came to light. Due to statute of limitation rules, all of the claims were eventually thrown out and the actor was not charged with any wrongdoings. Even with no charges against him, Clash resigned from his job at "Sesame Street" in 2012 after the second abuse allegation came out against him. "Sesame Street" and Clash released statements stating that his personal life was becoming too distracting for the show to continue with him as Elmo. Soon after, the show would replace Elmo with Ryan Dillon, who still voices the character today.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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