By reading all the news on the "Elmo case", I couldn't help but feel really bad that the puppeteer had to be exposed and as a result it all has ruined the image of a character that has been a part of all the American children and and so many children worldwide.

No human being is perfect but in a situation like this one, wouldn't be better of his private issue could have been handled privately?

They could have made up an excuse about why Elmo's voice would retire, or change. They could have preserved Elmo's image...

Kevin Clash, who has been the voice of Elmo for 28 years, is accused of having sexual relationships with three underage boys during his long-running career as a puppeteer on the show Sesame Street.

The accusers who have come forth so far are Sheldon Stephens, Cecil Singleton and “John Doe.” Source

See, they did respect "John Doe's" privacy so why not do the same for Kevin Clash's?

I am in no way defending Kevin Clash, but the children who are fans of Elmo. That Kevin Clash should be prosecuted for what he did, yes! But should Sesame Street, Elmo and the children have to go down with him?