Happy Thanksgiving

Kevin Clash Scandal **UPDATE AGAIN**

As a puppeteer, one of my own is in trouble, and I wish to express my support, as he faces a scandal that is sure to rock the world, if it hasn't already.

When I got up this morning, I was met with the news of allegations made against Muppeteer Kevin Clash (whom is best known for performing Elmo, on Sesame Street, but also has an array of other characters as well, such as Clifford the Catfish, Polly Lobster, among others) by a young man, who claims that Mr. Clash did some rather unpleasant things to him when he was sixteen years of age (the man is twenty-three now). Needless to say, not only did these allegations spread like wildfire (THANK you, TMZ), but now, the information has some different (and some uncited) sources, that it's hard to tell just what exactly is fact, and what exactly is fiction; one thing that does seem consistently clear throughout all of this, is that Kevin Clash has taken a temporary leave of absense from Sesame Street to sort this situation out.
So far, there really is no evidence from the accuser that justifies his claims, Sesame Workshop has even contacted the accuser more than once, asking for evidence to back up claims, with so far, no response. However, a number of sources quote Kevin as saying that he denies the allegations made against him, but that there was a consensual relationship between the two of them, when the accuser of legal age of adulthood.

In this day and age, it's difficult to determine just what is real and fake, and it certainly is hard for many people, including myself, to believe that any of these claims are true, with some even comparing it to the previously similar allegations made against Michael Jackson. It would be awful if all of this turned out to be true, but even if it isn't, the claims alone are not only hurting Kevin, but they are also hurting Elmo, Sesame Street, and puppeteers in general (considering that there is a stereotype that has been placed on puppeteers that they are pedophiles) - I can't even imagine how parents are reacting to all of this, if they have even heard anything at this point, but I am sure there would be some outrage, to say the least.

Whatever the outcome, myself, and other Muppet Freaks out there, are standing by Kevin, and showing their support during this dark and difficult time. In my opinion, this entire situation sounds less and less believable as more sources report the same story thoughout the day, with different details and citations. Nevertheless, Kevin Clash is a hero of mine, I respect him like crazy, I have trouble believing any of this, so I stand behind him 100%. I hope that this will all blow over soon, and that order will be restored to the world, and of course, everybody's favorite street.

UPDATE November 13, 2012
As it turns out, the accuser who made these allegations against Kevin has now recanted his claims, stating that the relationship was, indeed, consensual - which only goes to prove the one thing that was running through a bunch of people's minds: this character was simply crawling out of the woodwork to try to extort some money from Kevin. Nevertheless, while I am personally glad that these ridiculous allegations are all over, unfortunately, damage has been done, and I know a lot of people will have trouble looking at Kevin, Elmo, and possibly Sesame Street the same way again, however I still stand behind Kevin, and send him my support that he will rise above this scandal, and that time will heal all wounds.

Banner created by, and courtesy of James V. Carroll

UPDATE November 20, 2012
Looks as if this situation has taken a much sadder turn now: in the wake of the scandal, the accuser (who has now been identified as actor/model Sheldon Stevens) is now recanting his recant, saying that he was pressured into doing so, despite standing by his claims, that he is now throwing back out there, and wishing to continue in pressing charges... this, while, at the same time, we now have a devastating blow to contend with: Kevin Clash has resigned from Sesame Street. Sad. Sad, sad, sad. A gifted and talented man's name and reputation forever smeared, the most famous street in the world losing one of it's key fixtures, and now a beloved red monster has lost his best friend.

Can Food Drives

Dearest reader, and/or subscriber, I'm sure you have seen Steve's failed attempts to contribute to a local Thanksgiving can food drive, if not, you can, of course, see it embedded below:


However, at this point in time, I would like to take the time to make this special, serious entry: first of all, Steve clearly isn't quite aware just what the concept of these can food drives are, mainly because he's an idiot, and doesn't know any better. On the other hand, most of us are well aware that the purpose of these drives are to ensure that everybody is given their fair share of a plentiful feast on Thanksgiving day - specifically, those who are less fortunate. While you may enjoy a big, hearty meal of turkey, stuffing, cresant rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, among other goodies, remember, that some people do not get to enjoy such a meal on Thanksgiving, which is why we have can food drives, and other forms of charity, such as Second Harvest, for the occasion.

Thanksgiving isn't a holiday all about eating, it's about taking the time to count your blessings, and be thankful for the things you have in life, and for some people, just a meal would be a tremendous blessing to be thankful for. Please show others that you care, donate what you can to any of your local can drives, or charities, and help give other people a chance to have a happy Thanksgiving as well.

May the Best Monster Win

Election day is finally here, and if you haven't already voted yet, just remember as you head off to the polls, if you can't decide between either of the two main candidates, there's always the third alternative: Steve D'Monster.

Of course, we do acknowledge that as of last week, another furry little monster has decided he wants to be the first monster president as well: namely, Elmo, the precious, red, three-year-old monster from Sesame Street, currently starring in Elmo: The Musical. We here at the Joseph Scarbrough Universe don't like to play those same, old, tired political cards, which is why we wouldn't think of slandering the opponents with any kind of negative and/or hateful propaganda to persuade you otherwise, it all comes down to the matter of who you feel is the best man... err, monster... for the job; however, because of the position of our campaign camp, we pretty much have to say, if there is one monster you would vote for, make that monster Steve D'Monster. And remember, Steve doesn't want to kill PBS, because his roots were planted at PBS.

Steve Goes Trick-or-Treating

Steve manages to put together a costume at the last minute to go trick-or-treating for Halloween... who will he be going trick-or-treating as? Your guess is as good as ours.