Since their debut in 1955, Jim Henson’s Muppets have held a cherished place in popular culture. With iconic characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear, the Muppets have delighted audiences across generations through classic films such as The Muppet Christmas Carol (1996) and beloved TV specials.
Yet, this heartwarming legacy faces a shadow as allegations surface against the popular fan-run social media page, “Muppet History.”
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From Nostalgia to Controversy
The “Muppet History” account, adored by nearly 800,000 followers on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), has long been a hub for Muppet enthusiasts, sharing quirky trivia and celebrating Henson’s legacy. But on December 2, 2024, the typically lighthearted account shocked its followers with a somber statement addressing “concerns” about inappropriate conduct.
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
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…
— Muppet History (@HistoryMuppet) December 2, 2024
The statement, signed by the account’s creators Joshua and Holly, was criticized for its vague language, offering no direct acknowledgment of specific harm caused. Yet, details quickly surfaced, alleging that Joshua had sent inappropriate messages to several women, with some describing his behavior as sexual harassment.
A Community’s Outcry
Criticism intensified as Joshua released a second statement days later. This time, he openly admitted to years of boundary-crossing behavior, including “lies, manipulation, and sexually inappropriate comments.” He also acknowledged that his previous apology had failed to take proper accountability.
“For the foreseeable future, Muppet History is ending,” Joshua declared, signaling the page’s closure and his decision to seek therapy. “I am sorry to everyone who has ever been affected by my behavior, and I promise to work toward being a better person.”
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…
— Muppet History (@HistoryMuppet) December 5, 2024
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Holly, Joshua’s wife, also faced backlash for her initial defense of her husband. However, Joshua clarified that she had been unaware of the extent of his actions, describing her support as an act of misplaced loyalty.
A Scandal that Struck Close to Home
The revelations shook the tight-knit Muppet fandom, a community known for its warmth and shared love of Henson’s creations. Megan Maloney, a fellow fan, came forward as one of Joshua’s victims. In an interview with The Verge, Maloney recounted how seemingly harmless interactions escalated into overtly sexual messages, prompting her to share her experience with other women in the fandom. This act of solidarity revealed a troubling pattern of misconduct spanning years.
The scandal has left fans grappling with mixed emotions. For many, the Muppets represent inclusivity, humor, and the boundless creativity of Jim Henson. To see this cherished legacy entangled in such allegations feels profoundly disheartening.
Moving Forward
While the Muppet History account has shut down, the fallout serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability within online communities. Fans and moderators alike are urging vigilance against harassment to protect the spaces where we celebrate shared passions.
For those impacted, the message is clear: no fandom is immune to inappropriate behavior. As Megan Maloney noted, “It’s devastating when someone you admire lets you down, but it’s even more important to come together and protect one another.”
The Muppets’ legacy, of course, endures. But this incident underscores the work needed to ensure the communities built around beloved stories reflect their values.
Sexual harassment is never okay. If you are being harassed online, please reach out to site moderators. If things do not improve, you can go to your local police office and report what is happening.
