Kevin Clash, "Creator & Voice of Elmo" is now tied to under-aged sex scandal with a 16 year-old, and has reportedly taken a leave of absence from "Sesame Street."

Kevin, who was 45 at the time, is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16 year-old boy, (who's now 23). According to reports:

"In June of this year, Sesame Workshop received a communication from a young man who alleged that he had a relationship with Kevin Clash beginning when he was 16-years-old. This was a personal relationship, unrelated to the workplace. We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action."

Kevin also admitted to the accusations by telling TMZ: 

"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."

However, officials from the company say an investigation was conducted and they found that the allegations of underage sex was unsubstantiated.

The popular/long-running children program had this to say:

"Kevin insists that these allegations are false and defamatory and he has taken actions to protect his reputation. We have granted him a leave of absence to do so." And they added, "Elmo is bigger than any one person and will continue to be an integral part of Sesame Street to engage, educate and inspire children around the world."

The Elmo creator will still continue working with Sesame, "He's not going anywhere" according to the producers of the show.

So my question is, why now? Is he looking for some publicity?..... 16 to 23 seems like a lot of time to say something. Plus, he probably just a jealous Ex? I'm just saying!