Today's report is a little bit shorter than normal due to the Veterans Day holiday.

Sesame Street Actor Denies Underage Sexual Relationship

(TMZ) Kevin Clash -- the man known as the voice of Elmo -- has taken a leave of absence from Sesame Street in the wake of allegations he had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy, TMZ has learned ... allegations Clash adamantly denies.

We've learned ... Sesame Workshop lawyers recently met with a 23-year-old man who claims he and Clash began a sexual relationship 7 years ago ... when he was 16 and Clash was 45.

Clash has acknowledged to TMZ he had a relationship with the young man -- but insists it only took place AFTER the accuser was an adult.

Sesame Workshop honchos tell TMZ ... "In June of this year, Sesame Workshop received a communication from a young man who alleged that he had a relationship with Kevin Clash beginning when he was 16-years-old. This was a personal relationship, unrelated to the workplace. We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action."

Sesame Workshop officials acknowledge to TMZ they met with the accuser twice and had a number of other communications with him.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... after the accuser's initial meeting with Sesame Street, the accuser felt Sesame Workshop's lawyers were trying to muzzle him ... so he lawyered up with Andreozzi and Associates -- the firm that represented one of the victims in the Jerry Sandusky child rape case.

On August 15, 2012 ... Andreozzi fired off a letter to Sesame, accusing the company of trying to "discredit the victim in order to protect its employee and the image of one of its most valuable characters," adding, "This approach places a greater value on a puppet than the well being of a young man."

Sesame Workshop officials tell TMZ ... they conducted a thorough investigation and determined the allegation of underage sex was unsubstantiated. They say they never tried to silence the accuser -- rather they asked for evidence supporting his claim, but he never produced it.

Officials also tell us they're suspicious because the accuser has an email which TMZ obtained -- purportedly sent to him by Clash, acknowledging they had the affair when he was 16. The officials say the accuser never mentioned such an email existed and they believe it's fraudulent.

But there were other emails between Clash and the accuser, and although they don't suggest there was underage sex, officials tell us they disciplined him for inappropriate use of company email.

Sesame Workshop honchos tell TMZ ... "Kevin insists that these allegations are false and defamatory and he has taken actions to protect his reputation. We have granted him a leave of absence to do so."

It is unclear why Clash wanted a leave of absence, since he denies the allegations of underage sex.

As for Clash, the voice actor tells TMZ, "I had a relationship with [the accuser]. It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to make it into something it was not." Clash calls the accusations false and defamatory.

Finally Sesame Workshop officials tell TMZ the puppet is alive and well: "Elmo is bigger than any one person and will continue to be an integral part of Sesame Street to engage, educate and inspire children around the world." more on this story

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Break Up

(popmusiclife) Justin Bieber fans were in shock following news that the singer has split from longtime girlfriend Selena Gomez.

Bieber, himself, was still trying to make sense of things as news of the breakup leaked late last week.

During an interview with the national radio show Open House Party on Saturday, Justin was caught speechless when asked about the situation.

"I don't know what to say," replied Bieber. "I don't know, really, what's even going on in my life. To even assess that doesn't make sense 'cause I have not made any comment." Watch video here.

Christina Aguilera Debuts Duet With Blake Shelton

(CBS Local) It appears Christina Aguilera does have an ally amongst the other judges on The Voice!

At a special album event preview that was streamed on YouTube, Christina Aguilera debuted her duet with Blake Shelton, which will be featured on her upcoming release, The Lotus Album.

The song, titled "Just A Fool" will be featured on the album when it hits stores tomorrow, November 13th. Check out the duet here.

Cyndi Lauper Loses Uncle In Hurricane

(CBS Local) Less than a week after superstorm Sandy tore through New York, the city and surrounding communities are starting to rebuild. But tales of tragedy continue to flood the newswire. The latest involves Cyndi Lauper, whose uncle joined the growing list of Sandy victims.

Spinner reports that 90-year-old George Stathis was found dead in his Queens, NY home while Lauper was in Chicago.

"He was old. He didn't want to leave his house," Lauper says. "…I called and said [to relatives], 'Why did you guys leave him,' and they just didn't think it was going to get that bad." more on this story

Adam Lambert, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato For Vh1 Divas Live

(CBS Local) Adam Lambert will soon be channeling his inner diva as emcee of 2012's biggest dance party.

The American Idol alum is joining this year's VH1's Divas Live, airing December 16, as the host who will help wrangle the night's divas-in-training. The lineup includes Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, Jordin Sparks and R&B singer Ciara.

"I'm so thrilled to be hosting VH1 Divas this year," Lambert said in a statement. "I have a feeling it's going to be the most fabulous concert of the year! And LIVE!! Get ready for some amazing performances, killer fashion and fierce divas!"

The ladies will get everyone on their feet with performances of their biggest hits, but the night will also pay tribute to two divas that have left us, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer, who both died earlier this year. more on this story

Mark Wahlberg and Michael Jackson 9/11 Story Denied

(TMZ) It's an amazing story -- Michael Jackson and Mark Wahlberg fighting over a private plane in the days after 9/11. The only problem ... it's just not true ... this according to sources close to Wahlberg.

A new book, entitled "Untouchable," recounts the tale of MJ and MW both jockeying for a Sony private jet. Sony eventually let MJ have it, claims the book.

But sources close to Wahlberg tell TMZ the whole thing is a work of fiction. We're told Mark had no need for a plane from Sony to fly back to Los Angeles because he had his own. more on this story

Rihanna Performs on Saturday Night Live

(popmusiclife) Rihanna was the featured musical performer on Saturday Night Live over the weekend.

The singer was on hand to promote the November 19 release of her new album, "Unapologetic."

Rihanna performed two songs: the album's lead single, "Diamonds," and she debuted another new track, "Stay." Watch the performances here.

Flo Rida, Carly Rae Jepsen and More For Thanksgiving Day Parade

(CBS Local) Some of music's biggest artists will be performing in New York during Macy's 86th Annual Thanksgiving Day parade on November 22nd.

Flo Rida, Carly Rae Jepsen, and The Wanted, among others, will be on hand to give us all something else to be thankful for as they sing during the festivities.

Along with Flo Rida, Neon Trees, Colbie Caillat, Karmin, Jennette McCurdy and Megan & Liz will also make appearances during the parade. more on this story

Michael Buble Plan TV Special For Christmas

(CBS Local) Michael Buble wants to invite you to his hometown for a very special Canadian Christmas this holiday season.

For his new TV special, Michael Bublè: Home For The Holidays, airing December 10, the crooner will head back to Vancouver, British Columbia to perform classic carols like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Winter Wonderland."

Bublè gets a little help from special guests Rod Stewart, Blake Shelton, Carly Rae Jepsen and Elmo. He'll also perform a special duet with Bing Crosby to "White Christmas." A Bing Crosby hologram perhaps? more on this story

Lana Del Rey Releases Video and Hints At Film Project

(popmusiclife) Lana Del Rey will release "Born To Die: The Paradise Edition," on Monday, November 12 (UK) / Tuesday, November 13 (North America).

To help promote the launch, Del Rey has released a new music video for the track, "Bel Air."

The singer-songwriter posted the video to YouTube with a note teasing an upcoming film project called "Tropico," which she hinted is "coming next year." Watch the video here.

One Direction Appear On The X Factor

(popmusiclife) One Direction made an appearance on Thursday night's elimination episode of the US version of The X Factor.

One D opened the program with the first single from the project, "Live While We're Young," and returned later to perform "Little Things."

The visit was designed to promote the boy band's new album, "Take Me Home," which comes out on Tuesday. Watch their appearance here.

Ariel Winter's Grandfather Never Saw Any Abuse

(TMZ) Ariel Winter's grandfather claims he never witnessed any abuse of the "Modern Family" actress at the hands of her mother ... according to a declaration filed in the bitter guardianship case.

TMZ obtained a copy of the letter to the court in which James Batistas writes ... his daughter, Chrystal Workman is a "very good mother to all the children."

Batistas adds, "I have never seen any abuse from my daugther or son-in-law towards my granddaughters neither physical nor emotionally."

As TMZ first reported ... a judge ruled allegations Chrystal was abusing 14-year-old Ariel were serious enough that he removed Ariel from her mother's home. Ariel's older sister Shanelle Workman now has temporary guardianship.

In his letter, Batistas also points out that Shanelle came to live with him when she was 16 ... after she also accused her mother of abuse nearly 20 years ago.

However, multiple sources close to the family tell TMZ, Shanelle was actually in the foster care system for more than 2 years before Batistas took custody and moved her to his home in Virginia.

We're also told Batistas only sees his granddaughters about once every 2 years now -- since he still lives in VA -- but does maintain a close relationship with Chrystal by phone.

Batistas closed his letter by saying he wants to see his daughters and granddaughters back together. more on this story

Katt Williams Sued For Allegedly Punching Female Assistant

(TMZ) More legal trouble for Katt Williams -- the comic has just been sued for $5 million after allegedly punching his female assistant .... and causing her permanent injuries.

Melissa Ishage filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming she'd been working as Katt's personal assistant -- but on October 6th, things suddenly went sour at Katt's house ... when Katt attacked her, punching her and causing her "serious and permanent injuries."

Melissa claims she had to go to the hospital as a result of the beatdown -- and now she wants at least $5 million from Katt to call it even.

Melissa's attorney tells us, his client claims Katt struck her in the head and knocked her to the ground. The lawyer says police were called to the scene but no one was arrested. The incident is currently under investigation.

Calls to Katt's rep were not returned. more on this story

Lindsay Lohan Pulls Out of Barbara Walters Interview

(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan has officially pulled out of her "20/20" interview with Barbara Walters ... and TMZ has learned it was all because her new PR team didn't want Babs to grill Lilo over the ongoing investigation in her car crash.

Lindsay was scheduled to sit down with Walters... and we're told when she originally agreed to the interview, it was supposed to focus on her new movie, "Liz & Dick."

But sources close to the actress tell us ... in the past week, producers made it clear to Lohan that Barbara wanted to talk about her personal life as well ... including allegations that she lied to police about the June car crash on Pacific Coast Highway.

We're told Lindsay's new PR team, Rogers & Cowan, felt it would be a mistake to put Lindsay in the hot seat ... where she could possibly say something that could screw up her case ... so they pulled the plug.

Sources tell us Lindsay feels terrible for canceling on Barbara, especially since she considers Walters a family friend, and wants to reschedule as soon as her team feels the time is right. more on this story