The man behind Elmo on Sesame Street is taking a break after being accused of having a sexual relationship with an underage boy, according to the celebrity website TMZ.

Kevin Clash, the voice of the red Muppet with the infectious laugh and baby voice, acknowledged to TMZ that he did have a relationship with the young man when he was an adult, who is now 23.

"I had a relationship with [the accuser]. It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to make it into something it was not."

Sesame Street officials told TMZ they investigated and found the underage sex claim unsubstantiated.

As for Elmo, the broadcasting executive say the puppet will continue to appear and is “bigger than any one person.”