This time around, Elmo isn\u2019t sitting on the fence. <\/p>\n
The \u201cSesame Street\u201d star said in a video<\/a> shared on social media Friday that he is supporting Team USA amid the FIFA World Cup tournament. The announcement comes just weeks after Elmo wrote on X <\/a>that he \u201chopes both teams have fun\u201d during the NBA Finals. The post drew massive backlash<\/a> from New Yorkers who accused the puppet of forgetting his roots, with the fictional Sesame Street canonically based in the Big Apple.<\/p>\n \u201cElmo wants Team USA to win. OK? Just to be clear,\u201d said Elmo, sporting a Team USA jersey, before alluding to the drama. \u201cBut Elmo loves everybody. Just to be clear. Don\u2019t make this a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n While Elmo declared his loyalty to Team USA, he reiterated that he loves all, including \u201ceverybody who\u2019s playing\u201d in the tournament. <\/p>\n It\u2019s not surprising that Elmo would want to clear the air. Elmo, who\u2019s 3 years old, was labeled a \u201ccoward<\/a>\u201d by angry Knicks fans for his failure to support the hometown team. The red furry monster attempted days later to course correct<\/a>, telling social media users to \u201cKNICKS that last message! Elmo didn\u2019t mean to SPUR you on!\u201d But it was too little too late. <\/p>\n Official city agencies<\/a> even got in on the Elmo hate, with the NYC Department of Transportation threatening to take down the iconic \u201cSesame Street\u201d sign on the corner of Broadway and West 63rd Street. <\/p>\n Perhaps the biggest dagger to the heart came from Cookie Monster, who took the opportunity to troll his pal. <\/p>\n \u201cElmo teach me not to eat trophy. Me teach Elmo to pick a team,\u201d Cookie Monster said on X. <\/p>\n After the Knicks won the Finals, ending a 53-year championship drought, captain Jalen Brunson extended an olive branch. During the parade celebration this past Thursday, Brunson brought with him an Elmo plushie with a sign that read, \u201cForgive Me PLEASE.<\/a>\u201d <\/p>\n