For nearly 70 years, Jim Henson’s Muppets have brought joy, laughter, and a sense of wonder to audiences worldwide. From timeless classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and The Great Muppet Caper (1981) to modern hits like Muppets Most Wanted (2014), the characters have built a legacy of magic and positivity. But a recent scandal involving the popular fan-run Muppet History social media account has cast a dark shadow over the fandom.
The Scandal Unfolds
On December 2, 2024, the Muppet History Twitter and Instagram accounts, known for their fun facts and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of The Muppets, took an uncharacteristically somber tone.
A message was posted addressing “concerns” about inappropriate behavior involving its founder, Joshua, and the broader community. The vague apology stated:
Good Evening
We wanted to take a moment to address some concerns that have arisen as of late. Before we dive into these concerns, we want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We acknowledge that we are human and have made mistakes in the past,
We are always striving to learn and grow and appreciate your understanding and grace. We extend our thanks to those who hold us accountable. This community is near and dear to our hearts and we hope to foster and embody the principles of Jim Henson in our words and actions.
Therefore, we extend our most sincere apologies to those whom we have hurt, either through this platform or personal platforms. There has been a series in which boundaries with friends and viewers through messaging were overstepped. To the people who have been made uncomfortable by these actions we have only ourselves to blame and ask for your forgiveness.
In building this community we have been overly protective, confusing fellow fan accounts for competition.
We have not properly intervened when members in our own community have caused harm in defending our name. We have overstepped boundaries and ignored the hurt it caused. We cannot take back what has been said and we do not offer this apology with expectations that you will accept it solely on our word.
We will be taking a step away from posting personal content on this platform over the next few weeks to reflect on our next steps forward in bettering ourselves. This community deserves only the best.
We understand that actions speak louder. And we hope that one day we can regain your trust.– Joshua and Holly
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The statement, signed by Joshua and his wife, Holly, left fans confused and searching for answers. The lack of specificity drew criticism, prompting a deeper investigation into what had transpired.
Allegations Emerge
Shortly after the initial apology, details began to surface. Joshua, who managed the Muppet History accounts, was accused of sending sexually charged messages to female fans, some of whom were minors at the time. Megan Maloney, a longtime Muppet fan and active community member, was among those who came forward.
In an interview with The Verge, Maloney described how she initially dismissed the comments as misguided attempts at humor. However, as the messages became increasingly inappropriate, she decided to share screenshots with other fans.
Screenshots shared on Maloney’s Instagram account show one exchange from October, in which Muppet History responded to a photo of Maloney on a rollercoaster. Maloney says her mouth was open wide because she was screaming, but that Muppet History messaged her, “Damn gurl that mouth opens wide,” with a laughing emoji.
“I’m not a person of conflict, I can admit I am a people pleaser, and I don’t like to set up harsh boundaries,” Maloney told The Verge. She responded laughing, trying to keep it innocent, she says. But afterward, Muppet History sent another private message reading, “Wut else can it do,” with a smirking emoji, which Maloney did not respond to.
A few weeks after receiving the message, Maloney shared the screenshot of the conversation with a small group of close friends on Instagram. The screenshots were leaked and reposted publicly on X. After that, she says, “the floodgates opened” in her inbox.
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The revelations not only shocked the tight-knit Muppet fandom but also highlighted the damaging impact of Joshua’s behavior on the community he helped cultivate.
A Follow-Up Statement
As public outcry grew, Joshua issued a second, more direct apology. In it, he took full responsibility for his actions and announced the closure of the Muppet History accounts.
Throughout my life I have overstepped boundaries in friendships and relationships through lies, manipulation, and sexually inappropriate comments. I own all of that.
My previous excuse for an apology did not address the situation with the seriousness or accountability that it deserved, it was rushed out, and dismissed the voices trying to be heard. And for that I apologize. I deflected and made excuses instead of taking responsibility.
Holly is not to blame in this. She was only defending me because she loves me and is about as defensive for her loved ones as you can get. She wasn’t aware of the truth in the situation. I have explained to her what happened, and that I betrayed her love and trust. There is nobody to blame but myself.
Joshua also revealed that he was beginning therapy to address his behavior and rebuild trust with his wife, Holly, who had initially defended him. “Holly is not to blame in this. She wasn’t aware of the truth in the situation. There is nobody to blame but myself.”
I am scheduled to begin seeing a therapist next week, not only so I can repair the relationship that I damaged, but so that I can one day be a better person. And I plan to seek out any other psychological treatment I need.
I’m sorry to everyone who has ever been affected by my behavior, and I’m sorry to those that I have hurt and let down as they learn of this situation.
For the foreseeable future Muppet History is ending, as I step away to receive professional help and work to improve myself. The page will not be receiving a new owner.
I am sorry for the damage I have caused. But I promise you that there are so many wonderful and creative people in this community who can brighten your day and inspire you. Please seek them out and give them the love they deserve. – Joshua
Impact on the Fandom
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the Muppet fan community. Unlike larger fandoms, the Muppet community is relatively small, making the betrayal feel deeply personal. Many fans, including those who once admired Joshua’s dedication, have expressed their heartbreak and anger over the revelations.
“Muppet History was supposed to celebrate everything good about Jim Henson’s legacy,” one fan tweeted. “This is devastating.”
Moving Forward
The Muppet History accounts will not be handed over to new management, effectively ending their presence on social media. While the closure marks a significant loss for the community, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity within fandom spaces.
For fans, Jim Henson’s legacy and beloved characters remain untarnished. However, this scandal underscores the need to protect the values that Henson championed: respect, creativity, and compassion.
As the Muppet fandom begins to heal, many are focusing on the positive aspects of the community, drawing inspiration from the kindness and joy that The Muppets themselves embody.
What are your thoughts on this controversy? How can we fandoms prevent things like this from happening in the future? Share your perspective in the comments.
