The man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a teen now admits that it's not true.

He is now saying that he and Clash had a sexual relationship, but it was adult and consensual.

Clash released a statement saying he is "relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest."

On Monday, Sesame Workshop said Clash had taken a leave of absence from "Sesame Street" as a result of the allegation.

Clash denied the charges from the man, who is in his early 20's.