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Kevin Clash Resigns From Sesame Street Amid Underage Sex Allegations From Second Boy

Kevin Clash, the embattled voice of Sesame Street’s beloved Elmo, is now facing new allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a second underage boy. As a result, he has resigned from the PBS show he has been a part of for decades. In a statement released Tuesday, Sesame Workshop said : “Sesame Workshop’s mission is to harness the educational power of media to help all children the world over reach their highest potential.” “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.” “Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding Kevin’s personal life has become a distraction that none of us want, and he has concluded that he can no longer be effective.” “[He has] resigned from Sesame Street. This is a sad day for Sesame Street.” The accuser, who’s now in his 30s, filed a lawsuit against Clash, claiming the two met on a gay phone chat in 1993, when the accuser was 15 and Clash was 32. He says Clash “trolled gay telephone chat line rooms to meet and have sex with underage boys.” In the lawsuit, filed in federal court in NYC, he says Clash “groomed [the accuser] to gain his trust by, among other things, taking him to nice dinners and giving him money.” Kevin Clash , now 52, allegedly “preyed on teenage boys to satisfy depraved sexual interests.” Although the sex occurred nearly 20 years ago, the accuser did not take action until today. Why? Because “did not become aware that he had suffered adverse psychological and emotional effects from Kevin Clash’s sexual acts and conduct until 2012.” One can’t help but think Sheldon Stephens ‘ similar accusations against Clash – which he recanted in a settlement he wants to undo – played a role too. In any case, the second, currently unnamed accuser is demanding more than $5 million. Clash has left the broadcast, effective immediately. [Photo: WENN.com]

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Kevin Clash Resigns From Sesame Street Amid Underage Sex Allegations From Second Boy

NeNe Leakes Reveals Why She Divorced Gregg: “TV is a Beast”

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If you’ve been watching this season’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” you know that NeNe Leakes’ ex-hubby Gregg is trying to win her back, but what…

NeNe Leakes Reveals Why She Divorced Gregg: “TV is a Beast”

Voice of Elmo Quits ‘Sesame Street’ Amid Underage Sex Allegations

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Kevin Clash, the puppeteer who provides the voice of Elmo on “Sesame Street,” has officially resigned following allegations from a man who filed a lawsuit…

Voice of Elmo Quits ‘Sesame Street’ Amid Underage Sex Allegations

Sheldon Stephens: Kevin Clash Accuser Paid $125K Before Retracting Sex Allegations

Kevin Clash, the voice of Sesame Street’s Elmo, agreed to pay his accuser $125,000, under one condition – that Sheldon Stephens retract the allegation that he was underage. Stephens alleged he was only 16 when Clash began an affair with him. Clash admits an affair , but insists it started when Stephens, now 23, was an adult. Stephens recanted his allegation days later, but only after a secret settlement was struck between the two parties.  Under the terms of the settlement: Clash agreed to pay Stephens $125,000 .  He releases a statement saying he [Stephens] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. If Stephens is asked by anyone about his relationship with Clash, he must only repeat the statement in the settlement that recants his story. Although Sheldon Stephens signed the document, he insists Clash, now 52, had sex with him when he was a minor and was pressured into signing the settlement. According to TMZ, Stephens was crying during the final negotiations with Clash’s lawyer and repeatedly insisted he didn’t want to sign; he did, however. It’s unclear who leaked these details to the celebrity gossip site, but it makes you wonder.

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Sheldon Stephens: Kevin Clash Accuser Paid $125K Before Retracting Sex Allegations

Anthony Bourdain RIPS Travel Channel, Cadillac For No Reservations Product Placement

Anthony Bourdain doesn’t mince words. The Travel Channel and Cadillac found this out first hand when the celebrity chef went off on the network for its product placement in his No Reservations series finale. In a Tumblr post entitled “Fighting Mad,” Bourdain was PISSED about the network making it look like he was endorsing the car in violation of his contract. The 56-year-old writes: “It came as a shock and a disappointment to turn on the TV for the last two episodes of my show, and see that someone had taken footage that me and my creative team had shot for my show, cut it up and edited it together with scenes of a new Cadillac driving through the forest.” “Scenes of me, my face, and with my voice, were deliberately edited in such a way as to suggest that I might be driving that Cadillac.” “That, at least, I was very likely IN that Cadillac – and that if nothing else, I sure as s–t was endorsing Cadillac as the vehicle of choice for my show.” “All this following seamlessly from the actual show so you were halfway through the damn thing before you even realized it was a commercial.” Bourdain noted that he had a clause put in his Travel Channel contract that specifically dealt with this sort of thing, as he felt it undermines his credibility: “It was clearly expressed in writing, clearly understood and agreed to that I would not use or mention any products in my show and my name and image would not be used in connection with any products in return for anything of value or any other consideration without my specific agreement.” “After the first airing of the commercial, I let the network know of my extreme displeasure. Fair warning one would think. They ran it again anyway.” Bourdain did apologize to Cadillac , however, for subsequent tweets that contained some nasty insults, saying he had “no problem” with the car company: “I apologize to the guys on the production line at Cadillac, for finding the thing YOU make, and I have no doubt, are very proud of, in the middle of a rancorous disagreement.” While Bourdain expressed pride for No Reservations ‘ eight seasons, he admitted the promo stunt left him with a pretty bad taste in his mouth. When asked for comment, a publicist for the Travel Channel said in a statement: “We’ve enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Tony, but his decision to make further remarks on this matter in the public domain is unfortunate.”

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Anthony Bourdain RIPS Travel Channel, Cadillac For No Reservations Product Placement

Selena Gomez "Repulsed" by Miley Cyrus, Angry Over Justin Bieber Work Schedule

A new report claims to get to the heart of the Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber break-up . First, according to Radar Online sources, Selena and Justin actually split once before, back around the time Bieber filmed an episode of Punk’d with Miley Cyrus . Why would that be a problem? “Selena is repulsed by Miley !” this insider claims, adding that Justin going ahead with the show “didn’t sit well” with his girlfriend. And while Cyrus played no part in the latest blow-up, Bieber’s work schedule has remained an issue. “He’s been continually choosing work over Selena and she’s finally had enough,” the source alleges, detailing how this issue came to a head when Justin performed this week at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. It didn’t help that Gomez found photos of him posing with models at the event. “Selena was pissed,” the site says. Gomez and Bieber supposedly met on Sunday to discuss their relationship, with the latter left to decide: does he want a steady girlfriend? Or the chance to have sex with many hot women ? “When they originally started dating, Justin was a boy entertaining young girls, and now he’s a man surrounded by Victoria’s Secret models,” this insider concludes. “Selena doesn’t like that.” Choose a side now in this feud, THGers:   Team Justin Team Selena View Poll »

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Selena Gomez "Repulsed" by Miley Cyrus, Angry Over Justin Bieber Work Schedule

Kevin Clash Accuser Recants, Acknowledges ADULT Relationship with Elmo Voice Star

Kevin Clash is off the hook. The Sesame Street star – who voices Elmo and was forced to take a leave of absence after a man came forward and said he had an illegal relationship with Clash when the actor was 45 and he was 16 – is no longer under investigation because his accuser has recanted his story. An attorney for the accuser released a statement this afternoon that changes his client’s original stance to agree with that of Clash’s : yes, there was a relationship. But, no, it did not violate any laws. Reads the statement: “[The accuser] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. [The accuser] will have no further comment.” It’s unknown what transpired, but sources tell TMZ Clash’s lawyer met with the accuser’s lawyer and a six-figure settlement was offered at the time. Said Clash in response to this turn of events: “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further.”

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Kevin Clash Accuser Recants, Acknowledges ADULT Relationship with Elmo Voice Star

Fiscal Cliff: How Bad Will It Suck?!

America is rapidly approaching the so-called Fiscal Cliff. Maybe you heard. Sign the secession petitions , because this is going to be an epic disaster. Or is it? That, obviously, depends on the outcome … and who you ask. The so-called “Fiscal Cliff” comes on January 1, when several tax cuts expire, and severe cuts to government spending are automatically triggered. It’s also been called “taxmageddon,” with the average American family set to see their taxes increase $3,700 in 2013 unless a new budget deal is stuck. The sticking point to solve the stand-off is what President Barack Obama calls a “balanced approach” of spending cuts and increased revenues. The president campaigned on the pledge to allow the tax rates for the rich to rise, while keeping middle class tax rates where they are currently. Obviously, Obama claims the 2012 election results are proof that the public agrees with him. Just as obviously, plenty of Republicans disagree. The GOP has called for the extension of all Bush-era tax cuts, along with massive spending cuts, in order to reduce the federal budget deficit. Will there be a “grand bargain” in which the two camps essentially split the difference and move on? Or would either side actually prefer the Cliff? The two sides have a few more days to make their cases to the public before Congressional leaders are called to the White House on Friday. That’s when negotiations start in earnest and we learn if the 2012 election made a difference in relations between the two parties. Don’t bet on it. Hopefully, clearer heads will prevail in the end and we will avoid the consequences that economists say could plunge the U.S. back into recession. Then again, this is D.C. How many clear heads even exist there?

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Fiscal Cliff: How Bad Will It Suck?!

The Host Trailer: You’re Human?!?

Just as Stephenie Meyer says goodbye to one franchise – check out our album of photos now from the Breaking Dawn 2 premiere – the author will say hello to another big screen adaption of a best-seller. The Host centers on the fight for survival by the few humans remaining on Earth, following an attack by a species that wiped out the minds of all other inhabitants. It opens on March 29 and stars Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons and Jake Abel. Check out the first official trailer now: The Host Trailer We’ve also included a poster for the movie, which is based on Meyer’s thrilling novel. Peep it below:

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The Host Trailer: You’re Human?!?

Kevin Clash Admits He’s Gay, Had (Legal) Relationship With Accuser

Kevin Clash says he is gay and has never tried to hide that, and indeed was involved a relationship with the younger man accusing him of inappropriate sexual behavior. The voice of Sesame Street’s beloved Elmo says the accuser was over 18, however, not underage as he has alleged. Clash took a leave of absence Monday. Kevin Clash , who’s performed as Elmo for 27 years, is 52. He admits he had “a relationship with the [now 23-year-old] accuser,” but not an illegal one. “It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to characterize it as something other than what it was,” he said in a statement. “I am taking a break from Sesame Workshop to deal with this false, defamatory allegation.” Clash also confirmed he is “a gay man” and has “never been ashamed or tried to hide it, but felt [ my relationship with the accuser ] was a personal and private matter.” Sesame Workshop backs up Clash on one count, saying that after a “thorough investigation” they “found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated.” Still, the family-oriented organization found that Kevin Clash “exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding Internet usage and he was disciplined.” The Workshop added that Clash “insists that the allegation of underage conduct is false and defamatory and he is taking actions to protect his reputation.” As for why he was disciplined by his employer, an email Clash wrote to his accuser reads, “I’m sorry I keep talking about sex with you, its driving me insane.” The puppeteer adds, “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.” “I’ll have my assistant book a ticket for you to come to NY and we can talk about this in person.” To clarify, the email was written well after the accuser turned 18 ; the allegation made by the accuser is that the two were intimate before he was 18 . Clash denies any wrongdoing , while admitting a consensual relationship .

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Kevin Clash Admits He’s Gay, Had (Legal) Relationship With Accuser