WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA/AP) -Another American icon takes a hit.

Kevin Clash, the actor who plays Elmo on Sesame Street has resigned after a second young man alleged Clash had abused him.

The actor, who grew up in Baltimore County, denied an allegation of underage sex earlier this month.

But Bruce Leshan reports that this second alleged victim was too much to ignore.

A lawsuit by a second accuser was filed Tuesday, according to attorney Cecil Singleton.

Sesame Workshop called the controversy surrounding Clash's personal life "a distraction that none of us want" and led to his decision to leave the show. 

Producers say Sesame Street taping has been unaffected by Clash's leave of absence, which started earlier this month.

Several other puppeteers have been filling in, and now one of them likely take over long term.

 Clash created the voice and persona for Elmo, who has become one of "Sesame Street's" most popular characters.