🚨 Elmo’s X Account Hacked — Beloved Muppet Hijacked to Spread Offensive Content

 

What happened?
Sesame Street’s official Elmo account on X (formerly Twitter), with around 640,000–670,000 followers, was compromised on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The hacker posted antisemitic and racist slurs, political jabs at former President Trump, and references to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

How quickly did Sesame Workshop respond?

• Offensive posts were deleted almost immediately.

• Sesame Workshop confirmed the breach, calling the posts “disgusting” and launched efforts to regain control.

• By Monday, they had fully restored access to the account.

Why it matters:
Elmo is more than a puppet—he’s a cultural icon and digital influencer for families and kids. This breach highlights how even the most innocent accounts are vulnerable and how misleading or hateful content can spread quickly through social platforms.

Community reaction:
Fans and media were stunned. Screenshots circulated widely online before the offensive content was removed. Public figures, including a U.S. congressman, also weighed in, spotlighting broader concerns over trust and security on X Houston Chronicle.