Elmo’s official X account erupted in controversy after being hijacked on July 13 with a string of antisemitic and inflammatory posts that triggered online outrage and comparisons to Kanye West.
The account, which has more than 647,000 followers, was flooded with hate-filled messages, including violent threats against Jewish people and slurs aimed at political figures.
One post claimed former President Donald Trump was a “puppet” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and referenced the long-speculated Jeffrey Epstein files.
This you Kanye? I mean Elmo… 👀 pic.twitter.com/ri1hBWepEL
— curlyboychuck (@curlyboychuck) July 14, 2025
The hacker also demanded the release of Epstein-related documents, adding fuel to the already chaotic situation.
All offensive posts were removed shortly after the breach was discovered. By the following day, July 14, the account had been locked down with no new activity since the incident.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the beloved Red Muppet, confirmed the account had been compromised. In a statement, the organization said the posts were “abhorrent” and added, “We are working with X to regain full access to the account and ensure this does not happen again.”
The incident quickly gained traction across social media platforms and news outlets, not only because of the disturbing nature of the posts but also due to Elmo’s status as a cherished children’s character.
Online users were quick to draw parallels between the hacked messages and previous antisemitic remarks made by Kanye West, who has faced backlash for similar rhetoric in the past.
“why did Kanye hack Elmo’s Twitter?” one user asked, while another said: “Not Elmo! I guess he’s on whatever Kanye is having.”
Elmo just went full Kanye, never go full Kanye. https://t.co/xMmP44aQGh
— Masterge77 (@Masterge77) July 14, 2025
Wild move by Kanye West to hack the @elmo Twitter page
— Gem (@GemCals) July 14, 2025
elmo had his kanye west moment
— xdguapdad (@xdguap) July 14, 2025
Kanye then Grok and now Elmo? This is all apart of Elons grand plan pic.twitter.com/uHFTsiNNZc
— Adolf Hitler (@POTUSHITLER) July 14, 2025
Did Kanye start possessing Elmo and took over his body
— Vampnificent (@Moartist1811) July 14, 2025