Larry David attacked Elmo during the live broadcast of the “Today” show on Thursday, later telling the “Sesame Street” character that “somebody had to do it!”
The famously curmudgeonly comic was appearing on the show to promote the upcoming 12th and final season of his hit HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” but the moment in which he forcefully grabbed and shook Elmo’s face appeared to be completely unscripted.
“Oh, my God!” shouted Savannah Guthrie, as the hosts Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin watched in shock.
“Let’s get back on the couch and talk about how you’re feeling,” Elmo said after the brief incident.
“Larry, you’ve gone too far this time!” Guthrie interjected.
Al Roker tried to continue with his weather segment, chuckling during his attempted transition nd admitting he “didn’t see that coming!”
Later in the show, David struggled to force out an apology through his own laughter, telling Elmo he was “really sorry.”
“Elmo accepts your apology,” the fuzzy red Muppet replied.
Elmo was on the show to discuss his own viral moment earlier in the week, when a post from his official X account drew concerning replies to a very simple question.
“Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” read the post, which now has over 200 million views and 145,000 likes.
“I’m at my lowest. Thanks for asking,” read one blunt response.
“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,” another user despondently responded.
The gloomy sentiment appeared to be the consensus online as the post gained momentum, with President Joe Biden even chiming in to try to lighten the mood.
“I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days,” the commander-in-chief replied to the post.
“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.”
