Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash's resignation amid a sex scandal sent shockwaves through "Sesame Street." But the Muppets are no strangers to scandal and controversy.
In the early days, the Cookie Monster smoked a pipe, according to a 2009 NPR interview. At least one famous song, the infectiously catchy "Mahna Mahna," originally appeared in "Sweden: Heaven Or Hell," a racy 1968 film that NBC News referred to as porn.
From there, the Muppets have been accused of promoting a Communist agenda by Fox Business Network host Eric Bolling; promoting an excessive interest in Katy Perry's breasts; and early indoctrination of homosexuality by the close relationship of Bert and Ernie.
In fact, one group actually made a petition demanding the duo get married.
GALLERY: MUPPET SCANDALS (Story continues below)
Muppet Scandals Through The Years
Last year, the "Sesame Street" YouTube account was hacked by someone who loaded it with porn . More recently, Mitt Romney singled out Big Bird during the first Presidential debate.
Just a few weeks ago, "Sesame Street" producers sent cease-and-desist letters to costume manufacturers that made "sexy" versions of Big Bird.
Finally, there are some Muppet scandals that keep surfacing when you least expect, such as the Bert Is Evil website, which posits that the Muppet was behind every major scandal of the 20th century, including the JFK assassination and the 9/11 attacks.
No word on whether Bert will be blamed for the Kevin Clash scandal.