The man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of an illicit sexual relationship is now recanting the allegations, according to The New York Times.

From The New York Times:

Andreozzi & Associates, a law firm that said it represented the accuser, who has never been named, said in a statement that “he wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship.” The statement added, “He will have no further comment on the matter.”

Kevin Clash, the award-winning voice of the beloved Elmo and who is openly gay, said in a statement: “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further.”

Clash did not deny having a sexual relationship with the young man, now age 23. The accuser said their sexual relationship started when he was 16, a minor. But Clash, who is openly gay, said the man was 18 when the two had a sexual relationship. Clash also has taken a leave of absence to defend himself against the allegations that he called "false and defamatory."

Oh, but if the Patraeus, Broadwell, Kelley, CIA, FBI affair could end as quickly.