Despite having a similar lawsuit dismissed, the actor known for being the voice and puppeteer of Elmo on "Sesame Street", Kevin Clash, is facing another lawsuit alleging that he engaged in sexual relations with a minor, as reported by CNN and other media outlets.
The latest lawsuit was filed on December 4 in New York's District Court. The victim, referred to as John Doe in the suit, alleges that Clash seduced him when he was 16 years old.
Doe had moved from Florida to New York at the time of the alleged trysts, in 2000, to pursue a career in modeling.
Michael Berger, Clash's attorney, has claimed that "the cases and Mr. Clash's reputation will be defended vigorously."
Clash, posing as 30 year-old "Craig" at the time he met Doe via a gay chat line, proceeded to invite the boy to visit him in his Manhattan apartment after a couple of phone conversations. Doe, who had been staying with relatives in New Jersey, accepted Clash's invitation and, after Clash allegedly gave the boy alcohol in his apartment, the two proceeded to engage in sexual activities.
Doe and Clash kept in contact while Doe finished up high school. When he was 18, Doe moved to New York City to continue his pursuit of a modeling career. According to the lawsuit, the two continued to have a sexual relationship during this time.
Doe allegedly suffered with both psychological and emotional injuries due to having a sexual relationship with Clash when he was a minor. The plaintiff is seeking damages and a trial by jury.
An earlier suit, filed on November 20, also alleged that Clash engaged a then 15 year-old teen in sexual misconduct. The victim, asking for $5 million in damages, told reporters he would make a deal: "…I'd like to make him (Clash) an offer. If he would acknowledge the relationship we had when I was 15 years old, as well as apologize to any prospective victim out there, and agree to never work around minors, as well as pay my attorneys' fees, I drop the $5 million lawsuit."
Both current lawsuits were filed by attorney Jeff Herman. Herman claims that Doe "felt he had a duty to come forward" because he had a desire to "shed a light on the truth."
After playing the Elmo character since 1984, Clash recently announced, "I am resigning from Sesame Workshop with a very heavy heart. I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization. Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work Sesame Street is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately."
Clash has also since released a statement as to his sexual preference, "I am a gay man. I have never been ashamed of this or tried to hide it, but felt it was a personal and private matter."
A case of personal injury can be necessary due to a wide range of injurious acts. If someone has hurt you, and left you with damages, contact a personal injury lawyer to file your lawsuit today!