Statements About Elmo Puppeteer's Resignation
/After 28 years as Elmo's puppeteer, Kevin Clash has resigned following accusations of underage sexual relations. Last year, Clash starred in a documentary, "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey."
On its website, Sesame Street posted this message:
After Clash's resignation, the website was updated with another statement:
Further, in a statement to the press, Sesame Street noted, "None of us [at Sesame Workshop], especially Kevin, want anything to
divert our attention from our focus on serving as a leading educational
organization. . . . Unfortunately, the controversy
surrounding Kevin's personal life has become a distraction that none of
us want, and he has concluded that he can no longer be effective in his
job. . . .This is a sad day for ‘Sesame Street.' "
Kevin Clash provided his own statement about the situation:
"I am resigning from Sesame Workshop with a very heavy heart... I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization. Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work ‘Sesame Street' is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately."
Discussion Starters:
- Assess Sesame Street's statements. What is effective, and what could be improved?
- How, if at all, do you think Elmo's image will be affected?
- How can Sesame Street preserve the brand at this point?
