Kevin Clash Accuser Recants, Acknowledges ADULT Relationship with Elmo Voice Star

Kevin Clash is off the hook.

The Sesame Street star - who voices Elmo and was forced to take a leave of absence after a man came forward and said he had an illegal relationship with Clash when the actor was 45 and he was 16 - is no longer under investigation because his accuser has recanted his story.

An attorney for the accuser released a statement this afternoon that changes his client's original stance to agree with that of Clash's: yes, there was a relationship.

But, no, it did not violate any laws.

Reads the statement:

"[The accuser] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. [The accuser] will have no further comment."

It's unknown what transpired, but sources tell TMZ Clash's lawyer met with the accuser's lawyer and a six-figure settlement was offered at the time.

Said Clash in response to this turn of events:

"I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further."