Accuser Takes It Back: Kevin Clash Accusation Was False

After forcing Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash out of the closet yesterday. The New York Times reports that Andreozzi & Associates, a law firm that said it represented the accuser against Clash, released a statement that said: "he wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship." The statement added: "He will have no further comment on the matter."

Clash issued a subsequent statement through a spokesman that stated: "I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further."

Clash remains on a voluntary leave of absence from Sesame Street Workshop.

Although it's welcome news that the accusation was false, unfortunately Clash's reputation has been damaged. The accuser's name was never revealed. The fact that Clash came out publicly about his sexuality under these circumstances is disappointing for many fans and people in the LGBT community at large.

UPDATE: Look Upon the Face of Elmo's Accuser

As Gay.net reports, the identity of the man who claimed (then later recanted) has been revealed by the Smoking Gun as 24-year-old Sheldon Stephens, an aspiring actor/model. He seems to have a talent for finding trouble and his previous entanglements with the law place his bogus allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship with Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash in a new light.

The Smoking Gun reports:

The mystery man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of engaging in an underage sexual relationship--only to recant the allegation a day later--is a struggling 24-year-old model/actor who was once arrested for the knifepoint robbery of $250,000 in jewelry from a music manager for whom he interned, The Smoking Gun has learned. Sheldon Stephens, who did not respond to e-mail and Facebook messages, describes himself as an "Entrepreneur, Student, Model, Actor" on his Twitter account, which is protected. His Facebook page's "About" blurb notes, "I like to consider myself a rare breed. I'm very spontaneous and random...I'm determined and goal oriented. My destiny is laid on a solid gold brick pathway....... MY FUTURE IS BRIGHT and never will it dim."