Kevin Clash, 52, denies allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with 16-year-old seven years ago

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

The puppeteer behind beloved Sesame Street character Elmo has taken a leave of absence to prepare "action to protect his reputation" amid accusations of underage sex.

Sesame Workshop said in a statement that a 23-year-old man contacted the company in June and claimed that he was 16 when he began a relationship with puppeteer Kevin Clash.

Sesame Street said it spoke with the accuser twice and had a meeting with Clash. It also conducted its own investigation of the claims and could not substantiate the accuser's allegations of underage conduct.

The investigation did say that Clash "exercised poor judgment and violated company policy regarding internet usage".

Sesame Workshop said he was disciplined for this conduct and Clash has left the show indefinitely following the accusations.

"Kevin insists that the allegation of underage conduct is false and defamatory and he is taking actions to protect his reputation," said Sesame Workshop. "We have granted him a leave of absence to do so."

Clash, 52, has been with Sesame Workshop for more than 30 years and was the subject of 2011 documentary Being Elmo: a Puppeteer's Journey, which explored his role in making Elmo an integral part of US television.

He has won multiple Daytime Emmys for his performances, and published an autobiography about his career in 2006 called My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud.

Sesame Workshop said: "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, as it has for 40 years."