(MCT) — NEW YORK — The unnamed man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of pursuing an underage sexual relationship with him when he was just 16 has recanted his story.

Andreozzi & Associates, the law firm representing the 23-year-old accuser, released a statement Tuesday denying the charges. “He wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. He will have no further comment on the matter.” The law firm did not disclose the identity of its client.