Sesame Street Elmo X Account Hacked, Posts Antisemitic Messages

Elmo's official X account was hacked in July 2025, leading to a series of offensive, antisemitic, and racist posts that shocked the public and sparked widespread outrage across social media. The hacked messages included violent rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and direct insults aimed at President Donald Trump, prompting Sesame Workshop to confirm the breach and work to restore control. The incident inspired political satire, notably a spoof interview by Jon Stewart that humorously explored the fallout and broader issues of digital safety and platform moderation. Reactions spanned the political spectrum, with figures like Senator Mike Lee expressing shock and some commentators linking the hack to debates about public broadcasting funding. Social media users responded with humor and memes, while serious discussions about the exploitation of a beloved children's character for political disinformation were reignited. Despite the account's restoration, the event left a lasting impact on Elmo's digital presence and highlighted ongoing concerns about online security and political manipulation.