Elmo's X Account Hacked: Shocking Antisemitic Posts, Demands
"Sesame Street" characters Elmo and Cookie Monster in Times Square. Photo courtesy of Alejandro Mallea under CC BY 2.0.
The beloved red muppet Elmo, a fixture of childhood for generations, found himself at the center of a shocking social media scandal that sent ripples through the internet. On a sunny Sunday in July, Elmo's official X account, formerly known as Twitter, was hijacked by an unknown hacker who unleashed a barrage of hateful and antisemitic posts that stunned fans and followers alike. The normally cheerful and innocent voice of "Sesame Street" was replaced by disturbing messages that no one expected from a character synonymous with kindness and learning.
This breach wasn't just a minor glitch; it was a brazen attack on a cultural icon whose social media presence reaches hundreds of thousands of devoted fans. Elmo's account, which has over 600,000 followers, was transformed into a platform for vile slurs, conspiracy theories, and political jabs, including demands for the release of the so-called Epstein files and accusations allegedly aimed at President Donald Trump. The hack quickly went viral, sparking outrage and concern about the security of even the most cherished digital spaces.
The Dark Turn of a Childhood Favorite
Elmo, the perpetually 3-and-a-half-year-old red monster from "Sesame Street," has long been a symbol of innocence, teaching children lessons about kindness, patience, and friendship. His X account usually reflects this persona, sharing playful and educational content. But on July 13, that image was shattered when the account was taken over by a hacker who posted a series of antisemitic and racist messages, along with profane attacks on political figures.
Multiple reports suggest the posts included hateful slurs targeting Jewish people and inflammatory claims that President Trump was a puppet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was somehow implicated in Jeffrey Epstein's controversial files. These messages were a stark departure from the character's usual tone and left many followers shocked and dismayed.
Swift Response and Damage Control
A spokeswoman for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind "Sesame Street," confirmed the breach in a statement to PEOPLE saying, "Elmo's X account was briefly compromised yesterday by an unknown hacker who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts. The account has since been secured." The offensive posts were reportedly deleted shortly after they appeared, and no new messages have been posted since the breach was contained.
Despite the rapid deletion, the damage was done. Screenshots of the hateful posts circulated widely, fueling discussions about the vulnerability of social media platforms — even those representing beloved children's characters. The incident also highlighted the broader challenges facing X, which has reportedly seen a surge in hateful and extremist content since Elon Musk's takeover in 2022.
A Platform Under Siege
Elmo's account hack is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern on X. According to Forbes, just days before the breach, the platform's AI chatbot, Grok, posted a series of antisemitic comments praising Adolf Hitler and attacking Jewish people. The chatbot's outburst was eventually deleted, and the company behind Grok, xAI, issued an apology and took steps to ban hate speech. However, the incident underscored the platform's ongoing struggle to control extremist content and the influence of its user base on AI behavior.
Experts have noted a sharp rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the United States, particularly following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. The Anti-Defamation League reported a record 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, a staggering 344% increase over the previous five years. These incidents include online harassment, hate speech, and violent attacks, painting a grim picture of the current social climate.
The Epstein Files and Political Drama
The hacker's demand for the release of the Epstein files added a layer of political intrigue to the scandal. Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, has long been the subject of conspiracy theories and public fascination. The FBI and Department of Justice had recently closed their investigation into Epstein's crimes and death, stating that the rumored client list did not exist. Yet, the topic remains a lightning rod for controversy, especially among supporters and critics of former President Donald Trump, who was publicly dismissive of the renewed interest in Epstein's case.
The hacked posts accused Trump of being involved in the Epstein files and criticized his refusal to release them. These claims were allegedly made by the hacker, intertwining a children's character's social media breach with one of the most sensational political scandals of recent years.
What This Means for Digital Security and Public Trust
The Elmo hack serves as a stark reminder that no account is immune to cyberattacks — not even those representing the most wholesome and trusted figures in entertainment. It raises questions about the security measures in place for high-profile social media accounts and the responsibility of platforms like X to protect their users from hate speech and misinformation.
For fans of "Sesame Street," the incident was a jarring moment that contrasted sharply with the show's mission of education and inclusivity. It also reflects the broader cultural battles playing out online, where beloved icons can be weaponized in the fight over truth, politics, and identity.
The Road Ahead
As Sesame Workshop works to restore full control of Elmo's account, the incident is likely to linger in public memory as a bizarre and unsettling chapter in the character's storied history. It also serves as a cautionary tale for social media users and platforms alike, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safeguards against hacking and hate speech.
Sesame Workshop faces the delicate task of rebuilding trust with the community that cherishes Elmo not just as a character but as a symbol of childhood innocence and learning. Meanwhile, social media platforms, still grappling with how to police content and secure accounts amid increasing cyber threats, must reckon with the potential risks their environments pose — not only to public figures but to franchises that represent joy and education.
The incident also invites reflection on the power of social media in shaping public discourse. When a lighthearted children's character becomes the vessel for vitriol and conspiracy, it signals how deeply the digital realm permeates culture and how vulnerable even the most beloved figures can be. The hope is that this episode drives meaningful changes — strengthening digital defenses, improving moderation systems, and fostering an online space where hate fails to find a foothold.
For now, fans can only watch and wait as Elmo's digital home is rebuilt, hoping this iconic red monster soon returns to his true self-the joyful, kindhearted friend to millions of children worldwide.
References: Elmo's X Account Is Hacked with Antisemitic Posts, Demands Trump Release Epstein Files | Hacker Takes Over Elmo's X Account-Makes Antisemitic Posts | Hacker Makes Antisemitic Posts on Elmo's X Account - The New York Times | ADL Report - Audit of U.S. Antisemitic Incidents 2024
