A beloved Muppets fan account, Muppet History, has been accused of sending unwanted sexual messages to fans, tarnishing its wholesome image and leaving the online community in shock and outrage. The account, which had amassed over half a million followers on Instagram and 280,000 on X, was known for sharing Muppets-related memes and content, as well as promoting positivity and kindness.

However, on Monday night, the account posted a vague apology message, mentioning "overstepped" boundaries and "harm" caused, without specifying what had happened. Since then, fans have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment, claiming that Joshua Gillespie, the co-runner of the account, sent them unwanted sexual messages. The accusations have sparked widespread outrage and disappointment within the Muppets fandom.

Megan Maloney, a fellow Muppets fan who runs the account @malonespops, shared screenshots of a conversation with Muppet History, in which Gillespie made inappropriate comments about a photo of her on a rollercoaster. Maloney said that she had responded laughing, trying to keep the conversation innocent, but Gillespie sent another private message with a smirking emoji, which she did not respond to. After sharing the screenshots publicly, Maloney says she received an influx of messages from other fans who had received similar unwanted messages from Gillespie.

Another Muppets fan, who wished to remain anonymous, shared screenshots with The Verge containing months' worth of sexual jokes and innuendo-filled messages from Gillespie. The fan said that they had initially brushed off the messages, not wanting to hurt Gillespie's feelings, but realized that they were not alone and that Gillespie's behavior was intentional and harmful.

The allegations have prompted a ripple effect within the Muppets fandom, with fans and community leaders condemning Gillespie's behavior and calling for accountability. The organizers of the Muppetwt Awards, a fan-created event honoring members of the fandom, have stripped Muppet History of its past honors, including the "2024 Most Wholesome on Muppetwt" award. Other fans have expressed outrage and disappointment, feeling betrayed by the account's wholesome image.

In a later apology message, Joshua Gillespie acknowledged his wrongdoing, stating that he had "overstepped boundaries in friendships and relationships through lies, manipulation, and sexually inappropriate comments." He also announced plans to seek therapy and psychological treatment. However, many fans, including Maloney, are calling for the Muppet History accounts to be deactivated and shut down on all platforms.

The scandal has highlighted the darker side of online fandoms and the importance of accountability and consent. As the Muppets fandom grapples with the fallout, fans are rallying around those who have spoken out and are working to rebuild a sense of community and trust. Despite the scandal, Maloney says she still finds joy in the Muppets fandom and is grateful for the support she has received from her community.

The incident serves as a reminder that online platforms can be breeding grounds for harmful behavior, and that even seemingly wholesome accounts can hide darker secrets. As the tech industry continues to grapple with issues of accountability and consent, the Muppet History scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and action in protecting online communities.