NEW YORK (AP) -- A man who initially recanted sex abuse allegations against the former puppeteer of the "Sesame Street" character Elmo has sued him, alleging the entertainer lured him into drug-fueled sex when he was 16.
"I was taken advantage of by someone a lot older, and manipulated," Sheldon Stephens, who's now 24, told a Manhattan news conference on Tuesday.
He said he had met puppeteer Kevin Clash at a networking event for models and actors, and was later brought by limousine from his home in Pennsylvania to a New York apartment. There, Stephens said, Clash smoked crystal meth while giving the teenager another recreational drug.
In a federal lawsuit filed Monday in Pennsylvania, Stephens accused the 52-year-old Clash of sexual battery for childhood sexual abuse; travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; and coercion and enticement to sexual activity. Stephens is asking for unspecified damages and coverage of his legal expenses.
Clash's attorney, Michael Berger, said in a statement Tuesday that his client denies any wrongdoing. He said Stephens already admitted he had had an adult consensual relationship with Clash.
Three other men also are suing Clash, alleging underage sex. Clash resigned from "Sesame Street" in November.
Stephens first made the allegations last year. His lawyer, Jeff Herman, said Stephens recanted over the possibility of a settlement, but none was ever reached. Herman said his client would not discuss details of any possible agreement.
Stephens said at the news conference that he was 22 when the relationship ended. He said he only took action after watching "Sesame Street" with his young nieces.
"When I started to realize my nieces were idolizing this character, it just disgusted me inside because I knew what had happened to me," Stephens said.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:56 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:56:08 GMT
As predicted, cicadas that spent the last 17 years dormant, have come back to life, at least in the garden of one New Jersey home. Author and journalist Warren Bobrow says the insects are making it difficult to work from home.
As predicted, cicadas that spent the last 17 years dormant, have come back to life, at least in the garden of one New Jersey home. Author and journalist Warren Bobrow says the insects are making it difficult to work from home.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:07:42 GMT
Actress Mireille Enos plays Brad Pitt's wife in the new movie, 'World War Z,' hitting theaters next week. The stunner also stars in AMC's 'The Killing.'
Actress Mireille Enos plays Brad Pitt's wife in the new movie, 'World War Z,' hitting theaters next week. The stunner also stars in AMC's 'The Killing.'
Monday, June 17 2013 10:05 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:05:21 GMT
Finding the right tuxedo or suit takes some work.Gone are the days when men grabbed the first thing on the rack, say tux shop owners.GDNY spoke with an expert about formal wear for men.
Finding the right tuxedo or suit takes some work.Gone are the days when men grabbed the first thing on the rack, say tux shop owners.GDNY spoke with an expert about formal wear for men.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:39 AM EDT2013-06-17 13:39:47 GMT
Jason Kidd has had one of the most impressive careers in basketball history. He's now adding another chapter to the story as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Kidd visited the set of GDNY on Monday and spoke about his new role and what is was like hanging up his jersey for good.
Jason Kidd has had one of the most impressive careers in basketball history. He's now adding another chapter to the story as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Kidd visited the set of GDNY on Monday and spoke about his new role and what is was like hanging up his jersey for good.
Friday, June 14 2013 2:05 PM EDT2013-06-14 18:05:08 GMT
The nation commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14. The Stars and Stripes, a symbol of American pride, were officially introduced in 1777.
The nation commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14. The Stars and Stripes, a symbol of American pride, were officially introduced in 1777. The 13 horizontal stripes and 50 white stars on the flag are loaded with symbolism. The red stands for hardiness and valor; the white, purity and the blue vigilance and justice.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 AM EDT2013-06-14 13:36:53 GMT
Friday marks six months since 26 people were shot dead at Newtown Elementary School. One of the victims was Avielle Rose Richman, daughter of Jeremy Richman and Jennifer Hensel. The couple- both scientists- has created The Avielle Foundation which seeks to find what causes violent behavior.
Friday marks six months since 26 people were shot dead at Newtown Elementary School. One of the victims was Avielle Rose Richman, daughter of Jeremy Richman and Jennifer Hensel. The couple- both scientists- has created The Avielle Foundation which seeks to find what causes violent behavior.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:26 AM EDT2013-06-14 13:26:59 GMT
On June 19, people across the country including Dr. Mehmet Oz will take part in National Dine Out Day. At the Jersey Shore, restaurants will be donating proceeds to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. Dr. Oz previewed the event on Friday.
On June 19, people across the country including Dr. Mehmet Oz will take part in National Dine Out Day. At the Jersey Shore, restaurants will be donating proceeds to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. Dr. Oz previewed the event on Friday.
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