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.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:09:38 GMT
Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
Friday, May 17 2013 10:34 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:34:18 GMT
Aspiring singer Garrett Gardner may have gotten the heave-ho from The Voice, but he's not letting that stifle his music career. The New Jersey native performed during GDNY on Friday.
Aspiring singer Garrett Gardner may have gotten the heave-ho from The Voice, but he's not letting that stifle his music career. The New Jersey native performed during GDNY on Friday.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:05 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:05:18 GMT
It's all about the Bronx as the borough celebrates a week of festivities honoring it's people and the many businesses and establishments that call it home.
It's all about the Bronx as the borough celebrates a week of festivities honoring it's people and the many businesses and establishments that call it home.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:21:42 GMT
A new photo exhibit at an art gallery in Chelsea is drawing the ire of residents who are the artist's subjects, unknowingly.
A new photo exhibit at an art gallery in Chelsea is drawing the ire of residents who are the artist's subjects, unknowingly. The artist, Arne Svenson, is reportedly taking the photos through their TriBeCa building windows. In some photos, the residents are bending over, sleeping and cleaning.
Thursday, May 16 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-16 21:46:42 GMT
Author Barbara Taylor Bradford has sold more than 89 million books worldwide. Her 28th book, "Secrets from the Past," is out now. http://www.barbarataylorbradford.com http://www.facebook.com/Barbara
Author Barbara Taylor Bradford has sold more than 89 million books worldwide. Her 28th book, "Secrets from the Past," is out now. http://www.barbarataylorbradford.com http://www.facebook.com/Barbara
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:25 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:25:14 GMT
Age is just a number to daredevil Mike 'Mighty Atom Jr.' Greenstein.
Age is just a number to daredevil Mike 'Mighty Atom Jr.' Greenstein. The 92-year-old will pull a car with his teeth during his first public show on Coney Island next weekend, but first he gave Good Day NY viewers a preview during Thursday's show.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:30 AM EDT2013-05-16 13:30:46 GMT
It's now up to the voters. The first part of the American Idol finale is over and Kree Harrison and Candice Glover sang their hearts out Wednesday night.
It's now up to the voters. The first part of the American Idol finale is over and Kree Harrison and Candice Glover sang their hearts out Wednesday night. The dueling divas each performed an original song. The winner's will be released as her first single.
Kirstie Alley is no stranger to body image issues — and now she's speaking out against Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries about his feelings on weight.
Kirstie Alley is no stranger to body image issues — and now she's speaking out against Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries about his feelings on weight.
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:56 PM EDT2013-05-17 00:56:18 GMT
FOX
The "American Idol" tour will bring 11 contestants to cities around the country this summer. The roster is made up of the top 10 contestants and an 11th performer chosen as the winner of a "fan save." The
The "American Idol" tour will bring 11 contestants to cities around the country this summer. The roster is made up of the top 10 contestants and an 11th performer chosen as the winner of a "fan save." The
After this season, Shakira is trading in The Voice duty for diaper duty. The Colombian singer, who joined the NBC singing competition this season, confirms that she is exiting from her big red chair to focus on motherhood.
After this season, Shakira is trading in The Voice duty for diaper duty. The Colombian singer, who joined the NBC singing competition this season, confirms that she is exiting from her big red chair to focus on motherhood.
Just one week after Randy Jackson announced he would not be returning to the judges table after this season of American Idol come reports that Nicki Minaj will also be vacating her post.
Just one week after Randy Jackson announced he would not be returning to the judges table after this season of American Idol come reports that Nicki Minaj will also be vacating her post.
