Ugh, bumming me out!
Just when we thought we were safe from any more heartbreaking Kevin Clash news, another accuser has stepped forward.
The fourth alleged victim filed a lawsuit against the ex-voice of Elmo in NY federal court under the name John Doe. Doe says he met Clash in Miami Beach in ’95 or 96’ when he was 16 or 17 years old. Clash would have been in his mid-thirties.
Doe stated that Clash flew him to NYC, paid for his stay, put him up, and had sex with him on several occasions. The suit specifically mentions the transportation of a minor across state lines according to Doe’s attorney, Jeff Herman.
Doe claims he’s suffered emotional, mental, and psychological damage from the episode.
This news is sad, but hardly unexpected after the past few weeks in the famed voice actor’s life. Here’s the depressing timeline so far:
November 11th – Clash takes a leave of absence from “Sesame Street” in the wake of allegations of underage sex from Accuser #1.
November 13th – Accuser #1 recants his story, saying the relationship was consensual, but also receives a financial settlement. “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest,” Clash states. “I will not discuss it further.”
November 20th – Accuser #2, Cecil Singleton, files a lawsuit against Clash, claiming they had a sexual relationship in 2003 when Singleton was 15. Singleton is asking for more then $5 million, because of adverse psychological and emotional effects.
November 20th – Kevin Clash resigns from Sesame Street.
November 26th – Accuser #3 comes forward, saying Clash had sex with him when he was 16 and that they met on a gay chat line. He files a lawsuit for unspecified damages.
December 10th – Accuser #4 comes forward. Due to the “Sesame Street” shooting schedule, Clash’s voice will appear in the PBS program into 2014.
We truly hope these lawsuits will help the alleged victims get the relief and closure they are looking for, not only for their sake – but if for no other reason than the fact that they are simply bumming the rest of us out.