Larry David apologizes for attacking Elmo on ‘Today’ show

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Larry David was forced to apologize after he attacked Elmo on live television during a segment on the Today show this week.

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The Sesame Street character was appearing on the morning program with his father Louie to talk about the importance of emotional well being after tweeting a message to followers this week asking “How is everybody doing?”

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“It’s important to remember that we all have a lot of feelings, and that’s OK,” Elmo said in his high-pitched voice. “It’s good to know what feeling you’re having, and if you’re feeling sad or worried or confused, then you have to talk to someone that you love and trust, and it’s good to talk about it.”

“Emotional well-being, that’s kind of the key. It’s as important as your physical health,” Louie added.

But as his appearance was nearing an end, grouchy David crashed Elmo’s chat with Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin and jokingly strangled the puppet.

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“Let’s get back on the couch and talk about how you’re feeling,” Elmo said to David as he walked away, with the Curb Your Enthusiasm star firing back: “Somebody had to do it!”

Guthrie was speechless as she said: “Larry, you’ve gone too far this time!”

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Elmo’s tweet this week racked up over 205 million impressions and generated more than 19,000 replies as respondents unloaded their existential dread on the Muppet.

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“Resisting the urge to tell Elmo that I am kinda sad,” wrote the actress Rachel Zegler.

Rapper T-Pain responded, writing: “I’m just looking for somebody to talk to and show me some love if you know what I mean.”

Sesame Street characters, including Oscar the Grouch (yes, he’s feeling grouchy), Cookie Monster (who complained that he would be better if he had more cookies) and Big Bird, also replied to Elmo’s tweet.

“Every morning, I cannot wait to go back to sleep,” one fan replied. “Every Monday, I cannot wait for Friday to come. Every single day and every single week of life.”

Another follower added: “Elmo I’m depressed and broke.”

A third person wrote: “Elmo girl… I’m having a quarter life crisis right now… I’m mentally burnt out and I have a lifetime of working to go.”

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After Elmo replied that he was glad he checked in with everyone, U.S. President Joe Biden added his own advice.

“I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days,” Biden wrote. “Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it. Even though it’s hard, you’re never alone.”

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Of course, Biden’s tweet was derided by allies of his political rival Donald Trump.

Trump ally Roger Stone replied to Biden, writing, “Maybe the Democrats would be better off nominating Elmo instead of you?”

When David returned for his own interview later in the program, he tried to make amends.

“Elmo, I just want to apologize,” David said as he tried to hold back his laughter. “I’m really sorry.”

Being the optimistic guy he is, Elmo accepted David’s apology. “Thank you, Larry. Elmo accepts your apology.”

But David later reversed his apology on Late Night with Seth Meyers, telling the TV host he “couldn’t take it.”

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“Elmo was going on about mental health and I had to listen to every word,” David lamented. “And I was going, ‘Oh my God, I don’t think I can take another second of this!’ And so I got off my chair and I approached him and I throttled him … you know what? I would do it again!”

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X: @markhdaniell

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