Zach Pagano/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty The X account belonging toElmoappeared to be hacked on Sunday, leading to a period of about an hour in which a string of antisemitic and other posts were posted to the belovedSesame StreetMuppet's page before being taken down. One post, written in the third-person style characteristic of the children's entertainment icon, issued violent threats against all Jewish people before referring to PresidentDonald Trumpas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "puppet" because "he is in the Epstein files." Another post — out of six total apparently by the hacker — addressed the U.S. President directly on the subject of the controversial, alleged client list belonging to convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein. "RELEASE THE FILES @realDonaldTrump CHILD F---ER," itread. Elmo/x Entertainment Weeklyhas reached out to representatives for Disney, the Sesame Workshop, and the White House for comment. The series of now-deleted posts come in the wake of Trump, who previously stated he wouldrelease filesrelated to Epstein's alleged criminal exploits, reversing course after Attorney General Pam Bondi circulated amemoon July 7 that claimed the so-called "Epstein files" revealed "no incriminating 'client list'" and prompted no further investigation. "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years," Trump said in aCabinet meetingthe day after the release of the Department of Justice memo. "I can't believe you're asking questions about Epstein at a time like this, where we're having some of the greatest success, and also tragedy withwhat happened in Texas... It just seems like a desecration." The response also followed former Trump ally and DOGE headElon MuskaccusingTrump of appearing in Epstein's files. Sign up forEntertainment Weekly'sfree daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Trump's pivot has angered many in his party, including some of his most loyal supporters.Roseanne Barrwrote in aJuly 8 social media post, "Mr. President - Yes, we still care about Epstein. Is there a time to not care about child sex trafficking? Read the damn room." Podcaster and Trump supporter Andrew Schulz similarly stated on a recent episode of hisFlagrantpodcast thatthe move confirmsTrump is "doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for." As of Sunday evening, the most recent post on Elmo's X account featured apicture of the red, fuzzy muppetwith his newly-adopted puppy, Tango. "Happy Gotcha Day Tango! Elmo is so lucky to have a furry friend like you!" Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
