Key facts
- Elmo's social media account responded to criticism from Knicks fans.
- Fans labeled Elmo a 'traitor' for a tweet wishing both NBA Finals teams well.
- Elmo's fictional home, Sesame Street, is based in Manhattan.
- The character's account posted a follow-up tweet to address the backlash.
Following backlash from New York Knicks fans who labeled the beloved 'Sesame Street' character a 'traitor' for a tweet promoting good sportsmanship during the NBA Finals, Elmo's official social media account has issued a response. The initial tweet, which expressed hope that both the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs would 'have fun' in their matchup, angered fans who felt Elmo should have exclusively supported the Knicks. Given that Sesame Street is canonically based in Manhattan, the perceived lack of full-throated support for the home team led to the criticism. In response to the backlash, Elmo's account posted a follow-up message stating, 'KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn't mean to SPUR you on!'