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September 2011 Moms
SusieBW
member
What will become of Elmo?
SusieBW
member
I don't know if anyone has been following the story about the actor that voices Elmo and the accusations against him, but he resigned from Sesame Street today because of it.
He created the character himself. Does his resignation mean no more Elmo? I wonder. I don't think they can have someone else do his voice - it would be weird if Elmo talked different, and I don't think it would work, at least with this generation of kids.
In related news, DH and I watched the documentary about Kevin Clash and how he came to be Elmo, and it was excellent. It was called Being Elmo. I don't know how true the charges against him are, but Sesame Street and Elmo and everything were this guy's whole life, and part of me can't help but feel bad for him after watching that movie. I also think I'd be really surprised of the charges were true, just because I can't see him risking a career that seems so important to him.
ETA: Of course, if the accusations against him turn out to be true, I take back what I said about feeling bad for him. If it's true, then I really don't think he belongs on children's television.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: What will become of Elmo?
I can see why he wanted to distance himself so his drama wouldn't taint the show. It is sad though. I really hope it's not true.
It sucks that he felt he needed to do this even after the first guy recanted.
I think I heard there was a second accuser? Not sure, don't quote me.
There's no way Sesame Street will let Elmo go, he's probably their biggest money maker. They'll find a new voice, and some kids will think it's weird, but then get used to it, is my guess.
This really does disappoint me. When will people learn that being in the spotlight will air every.single skeleton in your closet?! Just don't do anything stupid!
I say Sesame Street pressured him into it.
DD1 Feb 2010
DD2 Sept 2011
Charges were dropped because the Elmo guy paid the accuser a nice settlement. I'll see if I can find the story on that.
ETA link: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/elmo-sex-accuser-paid-recant-report-article-1.1203699
Not sure how factual this site it. I know several radio stations were talking about it.
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I think you're right. The statement from the beginning of that articles makes me think they asked him to go, anyway.
He may have created Elmo, but who has the rights to Elmo? Him or the show?
I'm sure there's someone out there who can imitate that voice.
This. It's my understanding that nobody denied there was a sexual relationship, just whether or not the accuser was underage when it began. But even if the guy was 18 or 19 instead of 16, it's still a 40-something year old having a sexual relationship with an 18-year old. Still icky if you ask me, even if it's legal.
From what I remember, Sesame Street let him pretty much create Elmo, the character, the look, the age, the voice, the mannerisms, etc. But I highly doubt Sesame Street gave him the rights, because they gave him the ok to create it, and funded everything for it.
Whoa, I hadn't heard that he paid a settlement to the first accuser. Hmmm. Interesting. Doesn't mean he's guilty or that the accusation was true, but it does add an interesting layer to the story.
I think Sesame Street must own the rights to Elmo, and I'm sure they'll keep him, probably with someone doing a very close impersonation of the voice, too. And I guess I'm glad for that - Elmo is wicked popular and makes them a lot of money, and PBS and the Children's TV Workshop need all the money they can get.
An article I read stated that Elmo (the puppet, not the voice guy) will remain on Sesame Street. So I don't know the exact details, but Elmo won't be going away.
I find Elmo annoying, but DD loves him, so this is good news for us.