Sesame Workshop disputed a former writer’s claim that the characters Bert and Ernie are a “loving couple.”
“As we have always said, Bert and Ernie are best friends,” a statement from the nonprofit organization read. “They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves.”
Sesame Street Characters on 31st Street & 8th Avenue on February 4, 2010 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)
“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics … they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation,” it added.
Please see our statement below regarding Bert and Ernie. pic.twitter.com/6r2j0XrKYu
— Sesame Workshop (@SesameWorkshop) September 18, 2018
Former “Sesame Street” writer Mark Saltzman shared Sunday that he felt the characters were representative of his relationship with Arnold Glassman.
“I don’t think I’d know how else to write them, but as a loving couple,” Saltzman shared. “That’s what I had in my life, a Bert and Ernie relationship. How could it not permeate? The things that would tick off Arnie would be the things that would tick off Bert.”
“I created Bert,” Frank Oz said, according Deadline. “I know what and who he is. And no, he isn’t gay.”
“It seems Mr. Mark Saltzman was asked if Bert & Ernie are gay,” Oz also tweeted. “It’s fine that he feels they are. They’re not, of course. But why that question? Does it really matter? Why the need to define people as only gay? There’s much more to a human being than just straightness or gayness.”
It seems Mr. Mark Saltzman was asked if Bert & Ernie are gay. It’s fine that he feels they are. They’re not, of course. But why that question? Does it really matter? Why the need to define people as only gay? There’s much more to a human being than just straightness or gayness.
— Frank Oz (@TheFrankOzJam) September 18, 2018