UPDATE (Nov. 13)—The man who accused the Elmo puppeteer of allegedly having sex with him as a teen has now recanted his statement.

According to The New York Times' Brian Stelter, the 23-year-old accuser stated that he had sexual relations with Kevin Clash, a Baltimore native, when he was only 16. Although Clash denied the claims, he took a leave of absence from his job with Sesame Street earlier this week.

Yet, the man recanted his statement today through his Harrisburg, PA attorney's office, Stelter reports, saying it was a "adult consensual relationship."

Clash said in his own statement, he is “relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest.”

At this time, it is not known when Clash will return to work.

ORIGINAL POST—Baltimore-area native Kevin Clash, the puppeteer who has endeared himself to countless children as the voice of Sesame Street puppet Elmo, has taken a leave of absence from his job amid allegations of sexual impropriety.

Clash, who graduated from Dundalk High School, stands accused of having sex with a then-16-year-old boy, according to TMZ.

In May 2011, he visited Catonsville High School, where his daughter Shannon was a senior, and performed for students. (See accompanying video.)

Clash now lives in New York City.

Click here to read the full story on Dundalk Patch.