Earlier this week, Elmo’s Twitter (sorry, I mean X) got hacked, posting unhinged, antisemitic rants, anti-Trump conspiracies, and Epstein file deep cuts like he just snorted a line of coke while scouring a QAnon forum. That’s right. Our red, ticklish, third-person-talking muppet friend went off the deep end.
Naturally, the posts were deleted, but the internet never forgets.
In a statement that was written a WHOLE TWO DAYS later by a team of probably twelve lawyers, Sesame Street says the account was hacked and called the posts “abhorrent.”
Notably, Sesame Street’s statement never uses the word “sorry” or “apologize.” Now, I don’t mean to be a petty b, but last I checked, it’s not an apology unless you say ‘sorry.’ That seems like something Elmo would probably teach on the show.
Because this is the internet, dozens of people chimed in to tell me I’m wrong lol.
Here’s the thing: I don’t personally care that Elmo went on an antisemitic bender because obviously that wasn’t Elmo. Duh.
But what does piss me off is how weak the response was.
Had Elmo called for the death of literally anyone else, there would likely be a stronger demand for more affirmative language taking a stand with said community.
When it comes to Jews, though, the best they can do is point a finger and say, “it wasn’t us.” Like, yeah. no shit. We know it wasn’t you. But that’s it? That’s the best you can do? The resposne could’ve been a little more loving and practice what they preach on the show.
Sesame Street taught generations of kids how to be kind, brave, and inclusive. So maybe try living up to your own values when someone uses your brand to spread hate.
Here’s how Sesame Street should’ve apologized:
On Sunday night, Elmo’s X account was hacked by a malicious actor. We are appalled that someone would take a beloved children's character to spread a message of hate.
To our Jewish viewers, families, friends, and colleagues: we are sorry for the hurt and confusion this has caused. The fact that these abhorrent words came through a character meant to bring joy and safety to children makes it all the more appalling.
At a time when antisemitism is rising, this is all the more disturbing and unnaceptable. Know that we stand with you
Jewish children, families, and communities have always had a home on Sesame Street. And you always will.
The. fucking. End. (not that hard)
(p.s. I am available for hire for your communications needs ;)
Like, I get that lawyers (many of whom were probably Jewish themselves tbh) went full lawyer here, but couldn’t they infuse some love, creativity, and empathy? It all just feels so cold.
Anyway, this cyber-nightmare comes right after Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok ALSO went full Mein Kampf this, spewing praise for Hitler and parroting white nationalist talking points because apparently the algorithm is just a Nazi now?
All of this is unfolding while real-world antisemitism is on the rise—like, actual Jews being firebombed, shot, and killed in the U.S.—and somehow it’s the puppets and robots making headlines.
Somebody please unplug us from this simulation.
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Honestly a “we’re sorry this happened” to start could have gone sooo far. When you find the plug for this simulation, let me know. 🙋🏻♀️
It was a pleasure to read. But you are too nice. I live in a city with over a million Jews, and our soon-to-be mayor finally, under the pressure from the top business leaders, agreed to “discourage” the use of slogan “globalize the intifada”. No apologies are coming our way. Not from Elmo. Not from Patinkin. Not from anyone. Get real.