Childrens Shows, Drama, Failed Relationships, Homosexuality, Kevin Clash, Law and order, Scandal, Sesame Street, Sex

The Voice Behind Elmo Resigns…

The ReadyWriter

He had his dream job, the opportunity of a lifetime, yet the devil in the details “killed it” and it all came crashing down.

Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash has resigned from “Sesame Street” in the wake of an allegation that he had sex with an underage youth. In its statement Tuesday, Sesame Workshop said “the controversy surrounding Kevin’s personal life has become a distraction that none of us want,” leading Clash to conclude “that he can no longer be effective in his job.”

In a statement of his own, Clash said “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.”

As the announcement was made, a lawsuit was being filed in federal court in New York charging Clash with sexual abuse of a second youth. The lawsuit alleges that Cecil Singleton, then 15 and now an adult, was persuaded by Clash to meet for sexual encounters.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $5 million.

Clash, who had been on “Sesame Street” for 28 years, created the high-pitched voice and child-like persona for Elmo, a furry, red Muppet that became one of the most popular characters on the show and one of the company’s most lucrative properties.

Clash’s exit followed a tumultuous week that began on Nov. 12 with a statement from the company that Clash had requested a leave of absence following the charge by a man in his early 20s that he’s had a relationship with Clash when he was 16.

Clash denied the charge from that man, who has not been publicly identified, calling it “false and defamatory.”

Clash, a 52-year-old divorced father of a grown daughter, acknowledged that he is gay and the sex with the first accuser was consensual.

Down Low, Kevin Clash, Scandal, Sesame Street

‘Elmo’ Paid His Accuser 6 Figures for His Silence…

The ReadyWriter

Just as we thought: Kevin Clash, the man behind the voice of Sesame Street’s iconic puppet Elmo, bought his accuser’s silence for $125K, TMZ reports. In addition to cutting a phat check, Clash and his attorneys demanded a retraction of public statements that his accuser Sheldon Stephens made about having underage sex with the puppeteer.

In a prelude to a lawsuit, Stephens claimed he had sexual relations with Clash, 52, when he was only 16.

Multiple sources tell TMZ that Clash and his attorneys met with Stephens and his legal team to hand over the check — and to hash out an agreement that included only one stipulation:

Stephens agrees that immediately upon execution of this Agreement, his counsel, Andreozzi & Associates, P.C., shall release the [following] statement … ‘He [Stephens] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship.’”

The settlement document goes on to say if Stephens is asked by anyone about his relationship with Clash, he must only repeat the statement [above] in the settlement that recants his story.

We’ve learned although Stephens signed the document, he continues to insist Clash had sex with him when he was a minor and was pressured into signing the settlement.

One source privy to the negotiations tells TMZ … Stephens was crying during final negotiations and repeatedly insisted he didn’t want to sign.

News, Politics, President Obama, What he said

Obama Arrives in NYC to Survey Damage!

The ReadyWriter

And was greeted when he walked off Airforce One by, New York Governor Cuomo, Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

“We’re going to have to put some of the turf battles aside,” Obama said in remarks on the ravaged eastern shore of Staten Island. “We’re going to have to make sure that everybody is focused on doing the job as opposed to worrying about who is getting the credit or who is getting the contracts, or all that stuff that sometimes goes into the rebuilding process.”

In a three-hour sweep through storm-ravaged neighborhoods that included a helicopter tour of southern Brooklyn and Queens and meetings with storm victims on Staten Island, the President spoke in general terms about his commitment to help the city — but made no specific promises.

“I’m very proud of you, New York,” Obama said after walking through a Staten Island neighborhood that was devastated by the historic hurricane. “You guys are tough. You bounce back.”

Blog talk radio, Contact us, Conversations Of A Sistah, Holidays, Thanksgiving

What Are you “thankful” for? Tonight on “Conversations Of A Sistah”

The ReadyWriter

The “Conversations Of A Sistah” show that was postponed on Thursday November 15, 2012 will air tonight on “Conversations Live“.

As we dive into the Holiday season, families will gathering with tidings and good cheer. It will be a time of turkeys, stuffing, over eating and pumpkin pie; a time for corn bread, football games, holiday parades, and giant balloons.

There are many ways to celebrate and express thanks during the holidays, even in difficult times, there are always things for which to be grateful and thankful for.

As you travel over the mountains and through the woods to your grandmother’s houses and family homes remember to give thanks for surviving eleven months of another year.

With only three (3) shows left in this year, “Conversations Of A Sistah” will air tonight as we discuss… what are you thankful for?

Join me at 8:00 PM on “Conversations Of A Sistah” on “Conversations Live” and send us your emails at: conversationsofasistah@readywriterproductioncompany.com and I’ll share your thoughts on the air.

You can access the show right here!

Business News, Controversy, Donald Trump, Macy's, Petition, President Obama, Protest/Boycott

400,000 Sign Petition for Macy’s to Oust Trump

The ReadyWriter

Because of his loud mouth, his public skepticism about President Obama’s birthplace and “sexist” comments, over 400,000 people have signed a petition asking Macy’s to sever its ties with business mogul Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump does not reflect the ‘magic of Macy’s and “We urge you to sever ties with him,” the petition reads on signon.org.

Singer and actress Cher was among those joining the “Dump Trump” campaign, calling him a “loudmouth, racist cretin” over his criticism of Obama.

“I’ll NEVER GO TO MACY’S AGAIN! I didn’t know they sold Donald Trump’s Line!” she wrote on Twitter.

Trump’s spokesman Michael Cohen, however, expressed confidence in the strength of the real estate mogul’s relationship with Macy’s.

“Mr. Trump is important to Macy’s, both as a brand and as an endorser. His ties, shirts, cufflinks, fragrances and other merchandise are top-selling items across the country – in particular Mr. Trump’s ties are the number one selling ties at Macy’s.”

Cohen questioned whether there are, in fact, 400,000 unique signatures on the petition. “Nevertheless,” he added, “the country has been founded on the principles of freedom of speech – something Mr. Trump is entitled to as well as the creator of this petition.”

Trump had not personally addressed the petition on Twitter as of Monday afternoon, but made a point of tweeting about his new clothing line for Macy’s.