Elmo's X Account Hacked: Racist Posts and Epstein Demands Surface

In a startling incident over the weekend, the official X account of Elmo, the beloved character from Sesame Street, was compromised by hackers who posted a series of racist and antisemitic messages. The breach also included profane demands for the United States government to disclose more information regarding Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex trafficker whose controversial death in 2019 has fueled ongoing conspiracy theories.

According to a spokesperson for Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind Sesame Street, the account was hacked and the offensive messages were posted before the organization could regain control. 'Elmo’s X account was compromised by an unknown hacker who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts. We are working to restore full control of the account,' the spokesperson stated in a press release on July 14, 2025.

The hacked account, which boasts approximately 650,000 followers, deviated sharply from its usual content, which typically promotes messages of encouragement and kindness. Instead, followers were exposed to a torrent of hate speech and malicious references to Epstein, culminating in a call for the government to release more information about his case. Although the offensive tweets were quickly deleted, the account still features a link to a Telegram channel associated with the hacker, who claimed responsibility for the breach.

The incident is part of a broader trend highlighting the vulnerabilities of social media platforms in safeguarding high-profile accounts. In recent years, numerous notable figures, including politicians and organizations, have fallen victim to similar hacking incidents. Last year, multiple British MPs and international organizations experienced breaches, with hackers using compromised accounts to promote cryptocurrency scams.

Elmo's X account has previously served as a platform for mental health awareness, with the character engaging in heartfelt conversations with fans, including responses from public figures like President Joe Biden and musician Chance the Rapper. However, this incident raises significant concerns about the safety and security of digital communication, particularly for accounts associated with children's programming, which is often viewed as a safe space for young audiences.

Dr. Lisa Harrington, a cybersecurity expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, emphasized the dangers posed by such breaches. 'High-profile accounts, especially those that cater to children, must implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access. The impact of hacked accounts can be devastating, leading to misinformation and societal harm,' she explained in an interview.

This hack also comes amid ongoing scrutiny of X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, regarding its commitment to user safety and privacy. As the platform continues to grapple with the implications of free speech versus responsible content moderation, incidents like these complicate the narrative and highlight the urgent need for improved security protocols.

As Sesame Workshop works to regain control of Elmo's account, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in social media, particularly for accounts associated with public figures and beloved children's characters. In an era where digital communication is integral to societal interaction, ensuring the integrity of such platforms is more critical than ever. The implications of this breach extend beyond the immediate damage, calling into question the broader accountability of social media companies in safeguarding their users against malicious attacks.