Another Accuser Another Law Suit on Ex Elmo’s Voice Kevin Clash

Kevin Clash, the puppeteer formerly behind the character Elmo on “Sesame Street,” is now facing a fifth man accusing him of engaging in underage sex.  

Even the Count would have problems keeping up with all the lawsuits against ex-Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash.

Clash — the longtime voice of the beloved red “Sesame Street” monster — has been hit with a fifth legal action accusing him of "preying" on an underage teen.

 In papers filed in Manhattan federal court, Kevin Kiadii said he met Clash, who's 27 years Kiadii’s senior, in 2004. Kiadii, who was just 16 at the time, says he "went on a gay telephone chat line to meet friends who were also gay," and wound up meeting Clash, his suit says.

"Clash invited Kiadii to come to his apartment in Manhattan," and sent a luxury car service to pick the teen up in Brooklyn, the filing says.

Kiadii's lawyer said, "Each of these victims alleges that Kevin Clash was a

 father figure who groomed them with attention before engaging them in

 sexual contact."

When he got to Clash's pad, the puppeteer plied him with "alcohol and groomed him with attention and affection," the suit says. They then "engaged in sexual contact," the suit says.

The filing says the encounter caused Kiadii "mental, psychological and emotional trauma," and says he's only suing now because "he was not immediately aware of his injuries.” 

Clash’s lawyer, Michael Berger, said in a statement, “This lawsuit is Meritless"

Kevin Kiadii, 25, alleges that at 16 that Kevin Clash “groomed and coerced him into sexual contact” at the puppeteer’s Manhattan home.

Kiadii's lawyer, Jeff Herman, said Kiadii's claims "follow the same pattern" as the other complaints that have been lodged against Clash, who was forced to give up his role as Elmo last year because of the sordid allegations.

"Each of these victims alleges that Kevin Clash was a father figure who groomed them with attention before engaging them in sexual contact," Herman said. "By coming forward and standing up for his 16-year-old self, Kevin Kiadii has taken the first step in his healing process.”

Picture Credits:

BRYAN BEDDER/GETTY IMAGES

COURTESY OF HERMAN LAW