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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:18:13 GMT
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life.
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life. Romero met U.S. Army Lt. Ryan Waldorf, 23, this week for the first time. The pair and the doctor who treated Romero visited the set of Good Day NY on Wednesday to discuss the successful operation.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:08:45 GMT
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:05 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:05:36 GMT
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan.
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan. Co-owner Frank Raharinosy showed Rosanna and Greg a few movies. But the real demonstration came from Ro and Greg who went head-to-head at the table.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:11 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:11:03 GMT
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:22 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:22:34 GMT
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:48:03 GMT
World War II veterans have been known as the Greatest Generation for their service. Volunteers have been making sure that these veterans, who are dying at the rate of one thousand per day, are given a
World War II veterans have been known as the Greatest Generation for their service. Volunteers have been making sure that these veterans, who are dying at the rate of one thousand per day, are given a
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:50:15 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:28:08 GMT
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
