Voice of Elmo Resigns

Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash resigned Tuesday after accusations arose that he allegedly sexually abusing two underage boys.

Cecil Singleton, 24, who claims he met Clash in an online chat room, is accusing the puppeteer of engaging him in sexual activity over a two week period when he was underage.

Sesame Workshop published a statement saying that Clash's personal matters have become an unwanted distraction in the workplace.

"He has concluded that he can no longer be effective in his job," said the statement.

Clash said that his personal life has, in fact, taken his mind away from the work Seasame Street does for children and therefore resigned from the position.

Singleton's lawyer, Jeff Herman, has filed a lawsuit that seeks damages worth $5 million.

For 28 years, Clash created the voice and persona of the Sesame Street character Elmo, a furry, red Muppet that has become one of the most recognizable, lovable and profitable characters of the show.

Clash requested to take a leave of absence from the company on Nov. 12 just after a man in his early 20s accused him of sexual relations when he was 16-years-old.

The 52-year-old divorced father denied the claims in a statement released shortly after the accusation. In that statement, he also admitted that he was gay.

The Sesame Workshop said it launched an investigation when Clash's accuser told the company of his alleged sexual relations.

In his Muppet career, Clash has won 23 daytime Emmy awards and one prime-time Emmy.