Kevin Clash, Elmo

Elmo and Kevin Clash promoting "Being Elmo" at the Sundance 2011 Moving Pictures Media Studio. Make-up by MAC Cosmetics.

The man who claimed Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash had a sexual relationship with him when he was a teen recanted his charges Tuesday. | AP Photo/Victoria Will, file

FILE - This Jan. 24, 2011 file photo shows "Sesame Street" muppet Elmo posing for a portrait with the assistance of puppeteer Kevin Clash in the Fender Music Lodge during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival to promote the documentary "Being Elmo" in Park City, Utah. Too often, it seems, the happy band of Muppets on "Sesame Street" are faced with hairpin detours through the mean streets of politics and scandal. Big Bird became an unwitting player in a presidential debate and Elmo puppeteer Clash faced an allegation that he had had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy _ an accusation that was withdrawn the next day. But the show's producers can take solace in one simple fact: Their target child audience remains blissfully unaware. (AP Photo/Victoria Will, file)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 19: Puppeteer and voice of "Elmo" Kevin Clash attends the "Let's Rock Elmo" Toy Launch at the Empire Hotel on September 19, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

FILE - This Dec. 4, 2011 file photo shows "Sesame Street" character Elmo and puppeteer Kevin Clash arrive at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the Kennedy Center Honors gala performance in Washington. Clash has taken a leave of absence from the popular kids' show following allegations that he had a relationship with a 16-year-old boy. Sesame Workshop says Kevin Clash denies the charges, which were first made in June by the alleged partner, who by then was 23. In a statement issued Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, Sesame Workshop says its investigation found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, file)