Sesame puppeteer relieved as sex claim dropped

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The puppeteer behind Elmo on "Sesame Street" voiced relief Tuesday, after a man who accused him of underage sex was reported to have dropped the claim.

The makers of the beloved US children's television show -- who said Monday they were letting Kevin Clash take time off to deal with the claims -- also welcomed the withdrawal of the accusation.

"I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further," said Clash, in a statement sent by his publicist Risa Heller.

Sesame Workshop, which makes the long-running TV show, added on its website: "We are pleased that this matter has been brought to a close, and we are happy that Kevin can move on from this unfortunate episode."

The reactions came after lawyers for the unidentified accuser, Andreozzi & Associates, said he "wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship.

"He will have no further comment on the matter," the law firm said, cited by the New York Times. The firm did not immediately respond to requests for the statement.

Clash -- the subject of an award-winning documentary last year -- said Monday he was taking time out to handle the matter -- and denied the accuser was under the age of consent, which is 17 in New York where the show is made.