On the heels of Monday's good news, Kevin Clash has released a statement regarding a judge's decision to throw out three of the four sex abuse lawsuits against him.

The Emmy-winning Elmo puppeteer, who saw his career crumble after five men accused him of underage sex abuse, is "pleased" after a New York City judge ruled Monday that his accusers' claims were filed too late and are thereby barred by the statute of limitations.

"Kevin is pleased by the judge's decision," his attorney, Michael G. Berger, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "As we have maintained all along, our goal has been to put these spurious claims behind him so that Kevin can go about the business of re-claiming his personal life and his professional standing, which was recently recognized once again by the three Emmys he won last month."

Berger added: "The judge's decision to dismiss and close the three lawsuits is an important step in that direction. Kevin is looking forward to a time in the near future when he can tell his story free of innuendo and false claims."

As of now, one suit is pending. A fifth suit was dropped by its accuser several months ago. 
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(Photo: AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)