On March 19, 2013, Kevin Clash, most famously known for his
role as Elmo’s Puppeteer, has been charged with his fourth underage sex
accusation. Since the allegations arose,
Clash has resigned from his role as Elmo’s Puppeteer.[1]
Clash is accused by Sheldon Stephens, 24, of “baiting him into an X-rated
affair fueled by crystal meth when he was just 16.”[2]
Stephens claims that Clash sent chauffeurs to deliver Stephens from his home in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to New York for crystal meth sex parties. Stephens’ lawsuit accuses Clash of sexual battery
for child sexual abuse, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct,
and coercion and enticement to sexual activity.[3] The suit states, “While in the apartment,
Clash smoked crystal meth while engaging in sexual activity with Sheldon. Clash also gave Sheldon ‘poppers’ as a sexual
aide. While Clash had sexual contact with Sheldon, the chauffer watched and
masturbated.”[4]
Clash’s lawyer, Michael Berger argues that the
claims are without merit and barred by the statute of limitations.[5]
Additionally, Berger points out that the case was brought by the same lawyer,
Jeff Herman, who brought the other three cases against Clash that were all
dismissed.[6]
Berger also points out that Sheldon Stephens admitted in writing that he had an
adult, consensual relationship with Clash.
The complaint, alleging $75,000 in damages, claims that
Stephens met Clash at a 2004 social networking event for models and actors. According to the complaint, Clash told
Stephens that he would help Stephens with his acting career if Stephens sent
him modeling pictures, which he would pass around to people in the industry.[7]
The two kept in touch and began a sexual affair that lasted a few years. Stephens claims that he was not aware that he
suffered psychological and emotional damage until 2011. Stephens first went public with these
allegations and his relationship with Clash last November, but recanted after
being promised a $125,000 settlement.[8]
The settlement fell apart and the case is going to court.[9]
If the allegations are true, Clash could be sentenced
to life in prison. With three other cases
behind him, Stephen’s case only seems to chip away at Clash’s credibility and
paint Clash as more of a child predator monster. Stephen’s testimony only worsens Clash’s image
by including “crystal meth sex parties.” Clash’s agreement to settle last year
seems to point out that there has been something suspicious going on the entire
time. It may be in Clash’s best interest
to settle quickly.
However, it is significant to note that Stephens is bringing
the case almost ten years later. Stephens had enough time to bring the case
before the statute of limitations expired; and Stephens also had an adult
relationship with Clash. The lawsuit
could be viewed as retaliation from Stephens after the relationship fell apart. On the other hand, Stephens was still a minor when
the affair began. As a minor, Stephens
had no real ability to consent. Also,
Clash took advantage of Stephens by claiming that Clash would help Stephens
become a model. Stephens’ story echoes
many similar stories of children in the modeling industry, where sexual abuse
is rampant.
As
a child, Stephens was probably easily influenced by Clash’s star power and
would do anything to please him because of a desire to become a big model one
day. If the allegations are true, Clash
had full knowledge of this and took advantage of Stephens’ precarious
situation. As the adult, Clash had the
full ability to prevent sexual and drug abuse from happening and truly helping
the boy become a model. However instead,
Clash, according to allegations made by Stephens’, chose to prey on the boy’s
vulnerability, which is why Elmo’s
puppeteer will likely be condemned to a long prison
sentence if convicted.
Amelia Wong
Blogger, Criminal Law Brief
[3]
Id.
[4]
Id.
[5]
Id.
[6] Id.
[7]
Id.
[8]
Id.
[9]
Id.
Clash, Jerry Sandusky, Britain's Jimmy Savile show that accused pedohiles like Sylvain Kustyan must be gotten off the streets and out of the harm's way of our children ASAP. The recidivism rate of pedophiles is nearly 100%. The 6' 7" Kustyan, a French native, middle-school teacher and author of childrens' textbooks has been formally charged with two counts each of 1st Degree Sodomy and 1st Degree Sexual Abuse of a ten-year-old little boy. Unfortunately, upon learning of imminent arrest he fled the US and is currently on the lam.
ReplyDeleteThe sheer number of historic allegations that have come to light against celebrity paedophiles over the last year is truly staggering. It's almost as if it was a normal occurrence to sexually abuse children in the 1960's and 70's. Utterly shocking.
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ReplyDelete