Elmo’s hacked social media account shared racist and antisemitic messages; Sesame Workshop is working to recover control.
Sesame Workshop is working diligently to regain full control of its beloved Elmo account on the X platform after it was hacked over the weekend. The breach resulted in the posting of a series of offensive and harmful messages, including both antisemitic and racist content. This incident raises significant concerns regarding online security, particularly for accounts operated by organizations known for promoting children’s education and well-being.
According to a spokesperson from Sesame Workshop, the organization is actively addressing the situation to restore the integrity of Elmo’s account. The prominent non-profit, famous for its long-running children’s program “Sesame Street,” emphasizes its commitment to fostering an environment of kindness and positivity, which starkly contrasts with the messages disseminated during the breach.
The Elmo account, which boasts approximately 650,000 followers, typically serves as a platform to inspire and encourage children and families. However, following the unauthorized access, followers were exposed to distressing content that included antisemitic threats and a crude reference connected to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation. While these messages were swiftly removed, the account remains linked to a Telegram channel associated with the perpetrator of the hack, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by cyber threats.
The hacker’s motivations remain unclear, and no group has officially claimed responsibility for the intrusion. As of now, X has not provided a comment regarding the incident or the security measures it has implemented to prevent similar breaches in the future.
In recent times, Elmo’s social media presence has evolved into a platform focusing on mental health awareness. Notably, last year, the character made headlines by engaging with followers through a heartfelt inquiry about their well-being, which elicited responses from prominent figures, including then-President Joe Biden and artist Chance the Rapper. This engagement underscores the significant role that social media plays in fostering connections and promoting mental health, particularly among younger audiences.
As Sesame Workshop continues its efforts to restore the Elmo account, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide enriching and supportive content for children, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding its online presence against similar threats in the future. Media News Source will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
