NEW YORK (AP) – The guy who brings Elmo to life is taking a leave of absence from “Sesame Street” to fight what he calls a “false and defamatory allegation.” He’s being accused of having a relationship with a 16-year-old boy. Kevin Clash says while he did have a relationship with his accuser, “it was between two consenting adults.” He says he’s “deeply saddened that he is trying to characterize it as something other than what it was.” Sesame Workshop says its investigation found no evidence of an underage relationship, but it says Clash exercised “poor judgement.” It says Clash has been “disciplined for violating company policy” on using the Internet.