Overview
- Earlier in June, Elmo’s neutral X post saying “Elmo hopes both teams have fun” went viral and drew heavy anger from New York Knicks supporters.
- The backlash escalated to visible stunts, including viral footage of a mock Elmo head on a pike and abusive replies on social platforms.
- At the Knicks’ championship parade on June 18, guard Jalen Brunson kissed an Elmo plush holding a “Forgive me PLEASE” sign as a public reconciliation gesture.
- Elmo declared his support for Team USA on Friday in a social video and post, wearing a U.S. jersey and saying he “loves everybody” and asking people not to make the pick into a bigger issue.
- Sesame Street appearances on Fox’s World Cup broadcasts have raised the stakes for the brand, creating a PR challenge that links local sports loyalty to a global, child‑facing franchise.