Larry David‘s viral attack on Elmo became the focal point of his visit later in the day to “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” where the host grilled David on answers for what would make a person want to attack the beloved “Sesame Street” character on live television. Both David and Elmo were guests on the Feb 1. edition of NBC’s “Today” when David crashed the morning show set during Elmo’s interview and throttled his face.
“The clip is going around online, Larry. You can’t hide from this,” Meyers told David. “Elmo, some might say, is loved by all.”
“Yeah, yeah. I did it,” David said when asked for an explanation. He then impersonated Elmo’s high-pitched voice and continued: “Elmo was talking. I was waiting to be interviewed, and Elmo was going on about mental health and I had to listen to every word. And I was going, ‘Oh my God, 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! I couldn’t take it!”
David then wisecracked: “And you know what? I would do it again!”
The reason Elmo was making the press rounds on “Today” in the first place was because he went unexpectedly viral on X (formerly Twitter) after asking his followers a simple question: “How is everybody doing?” The replies that came flooding in were overflowing with existential dread.
“Every morning, I cannot wait to go back to sleep. Every Monday, I cannot wait for Friday to come. Every single day and every single week for life,” one X user responded. Another follower replied: “Elmo I’m depressed and broke.”
“Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing,” the character later posted in response. “Elmo will check in again soon, friends! Elmo loves you. #EmotionalWellBeing.”
Even President Joe Bidenresponded to Elmo, writing on X: “I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days. 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.”
When David attacked Elmo on live television, he left the “Today” hosts in shock. “Oh my god!” shrieked Savannah Guthrie as Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin gasped. Guthrie added, “Larry, you’ve gone too far this time!”
“Elmo, I just want to apologize,” David later said on “Today” when it came time for his own sit-down interview. “I’m really sorry.”
“Thank you, Larry,” the “Sesame Street” character responded. “Elmo accepts your apology.”
David has been making his own press rounds for the upcoming 12th and final season of his HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Watch his full “Late Night” appearance in the video below.
