Watch CBS News

New Lawsuit Filed Against Man Who Voiced Elmo

NEW YORK (CBSMiami) – The man who was the voice of Sesame Street's Elmo, Kevin Clash, has been sued by a man who said Clash molested him when he was 16-years-old.

According to the lawsuit filed Tuesday, the then-teen met Clash on a gay chat line in 2000. The lawsuit said Clash contacted the teen and told him he was named Craig and was 30-years-old, despite being approximately 40 years old at the time.

The lawsuit said that after a few telephone conversations, Clash invited the teen to his apartment where he gave the victim "alcohol and groomed him." The lawsuit said Clash and the victim engaged in sexual contact.

According to the suit, the victim said he saw "numerous Elmo dolls and photographs of Elmo with famous people such as Beyonce and Tyra Banks."

The lawsuit said the two began a consensual relationship when the victim moved to New York City after he turned 18-years-old.

The suit, filed by local attorney Jeffrey Herman, alleged the victim suffered "severe injuries, including but not limited to mental, psychological, and emotional trauma. These injuries are continuing and permanent nature."

The lawsuit said the victim did not realize he had "suffered adverse and emotional effects from Kevin Clash's sexual acts and conduct until 2012."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.