Last abuse lawsuit against Elmo actor tossed in Pa.
A judge in Pennsylvania has dismissed the last of five sex-abuse lawsuits filed against the puppeteer who voiced the “Sesame Street” character Elmo.
The ruling does not weigh the merits of the claims, but says 25-year-old accuser Sheldon Stephens filed suit too late against actor Kevin Clash.
Stephens has publicly accused Clash of luring him into a sexual relationship when he was a minor.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Conner says Stephens failed to file suit by age 19 under laws in New York, where their meetings took place. Stephens had filed suit in Pennsylvania, where longer time limits apply.
Clash’s lawyer, Michael Berger, says Clash can now move forward with his life. He had resigned from “Sesame Street” amid the accusations.
Stephens’ lawyer did not immediately return calls for comment.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.