Elmo's X account was "compromised" on Monday, with hackers using the the Sesame Street favourite's social media for an antisemitic, racist tirade.
Having also experienced the online hellhole we're currently living in, Jon Stewart used his Daily Show monologue on Monday night to dig into WTF just happened.
"This is what happens when you go too long without tickling Elmo," the host declared.
"These tweets were especially shocking to me as someone who has worked with Elmo," he later added, reminding the audience he's actually been on Sesame Street, hosting the 1998 "Elmopalooza!" special. "Hateful, racist Elmo is not the Elmo that I remember. I know what's in Elmo's heart. And so I thought it would be appropriate to have my old friend back so that we could talk through this very difficult time."
Cut to "Elmo" (definitely not a cheap hand puppet) in a shady looking hacker den (definitely not a green screen). Excuses are made. Responsibility is evaded.