Well, not so fast. Today, entertainment gossip website TMZ reports that the accuser is one again claiming the relationship occurred when he was a minor.
From TMZ’s website:
The man who accused Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo, of having sex with him while he was underage stands by his story, claims he was pressured into recanting it, and is now interviewing lawyers to help him undo his settlement.
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We’ve learned Stephens has met with lawyers in Los Angeles and told them he was pressured into recanting his allegation and insists he’s telling the truth when he says he had sex with Clash when he was 16.
Stephens — who is now 23 — is telling lawyers he will gladly forfeit the $125,000 to restore his name. Stephens is saying he was literally crying during the final negotiations and repeatedly said he didn’t want to sign.
While the accusations are serious, I’m going to hold off on throwing away or donating everything Elmo from my house.
Elmo isn’t Clash. No one’s accused Elmo of anything. He’s a puppet. And he’s helping my daughter learn to read. That, in my mind, transcends any accusation. But something tells me this story is far from finished.