Kevin Clash, Voice of Elmo, Leaves "Sesame Street," Denies Inappropriate Sexual Relationship with Underage Boy

Reports confirm that Kevin Clash, the infamous voice of the popular "Sesame Street" character Elmo, is taking a temporary leave of absence from the hit children's show following allegations that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with an underage boy. 52-year-old Clash (who has provided the unique, high-pitched voice of Elmo for the past 27 years) heatedly denies claims that he had ongoing inappropriate relations with a 16-year-old boy seven years ago. According to a recent statement released by Sesame Workshop, Clash insists that the allegations are false and defamatory - the famous puppeteer has been granted a leave of absence to focus on "taking actions to protect his reputation."

According to the Sesame Workshop statement released on Monday (Nov. 12), an unidentified man (now 23) contacted the company in June insisting that he and Clash had an intimate relationship seven years ago. Workshop reps confirm that they met with the unidentified accuser twice and communicated with him on several other occasions. The Workshop also confronted Clash about the allegations, which the puppeteer adamantly denies.

According to the Sesame Workshop report:

"[Sesame Workshop] conducted a thorough investigation and found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated. Although this was a personal relationship unrelated to the workplace, our investigation did reveal that Kevin exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding Internet usage and he was disciplined."

Clash's leave of absence is only meant to be temporary until his name gets totally cleared - no word on whether or not Clash plans on taking legal action (such as filing a defamation suit).

Clash did admit to TMZ that he had a relationship with the unidentified accuser, but that it was between two consensual adults and should have nothing to do with his work and career in the children's entertainment industry - "[The relationship] was between two consenting adults, and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to make it into something it was not."

Although Elmo may have a change of voice for the time-being, there is no way that the little red furry favorite will be taking a leave of absence along with Clash - Seasome Workshop insists, "Elmo is bigger than any one person and will continue to be an integral part of Sesame Street to engage, educate and inspire children around the world, as it has for 40 years."

TMZ reports that the accuser has since teamed up with legal representatives Andreozzi and Associates - his lawyers accuse Sesame Workshop of trying to "discredit the victim in order to protect its employee and the image of one of its most valuable characters," adding, "This approach places a greater value on a puppet than the well-being of a young man."