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Toddler's Elmo Doll Makes Death Threats, Family Says

News Channel 8 photo by MICHAEL EGGER

Melissa Bowman says this Elmo Knows Your Name doll says "kill James."

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Published: February 21, 2008

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LITHIA - A Lithia family says a cuddly, programmable Elmo doll revealed its dark side yesterday after fresh batteries were installed.

Instead of singing songs or reciting the favorite color of its 2-year-old owner, James Bowman, the doll started making death threats, the family says.

With a squeeze of its fuzzy belly, the Sesame Street character now says, in a sing-song voice, "Kill James." "It's not something that really you would think would ever come out of a toy," said Melissa Bowman, James' mother. "But once I heard, I was just kind of distraught."

The Elmo Knows Your Name doll, which connects to a computer to learn certain phases and names, recently ran out of battery power, Bowman said.

About an hour after she put new ones in, "I noticed exactly what it was saying," Bowman said. "And my son was repeating exactly what it was saying."

Bowman said Elmo is James' favorite character. James even has Elmo slippers, but the malfunctioning, death-threat-spouting Elmo Knows Your Name doll is now being kept away from her son, Bowman said.

"This is his absolute favorite toy," she said. "So we've been going through a lot of hassle because he's trying to climb up the counter and up the closets to get it."

Fisher-Price, the toy company that manufactures the dolls, said it will issue the Bowmans a voucher for a replacement doll. The company said it will examine James' model for the source of the problem and check whether other Elmos are experiencing the same malfunction.

Reader Comments

Posted by ( commonsense7 ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

R-E-D-R-U-M, redrum, redrum. time to kill mommy and daddy James!!!

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Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Can anybody say Chucky?

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Posted by ( RobKay ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

If you listen, you can hear lawyers flipping through phone book pages looking for their phone number as you read this. It appears little James is going to get his college tuition paid for and another lawyer will get a trip to Tahiti.

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Posted by ( notyouraveragejoe ) on February 21, 2008 at 11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Are you kidding me? Either TBO is struggling for stories or she is just desperate for some attention. C'mon lady!

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Posted by ( sanders ) on February 21, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Wow, what a blockbuster story!!

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Posted by ( swissmiss ) on February 22, 2008 at 1:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

wow, i am actually speechless on this one!

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Posted by ( Gladiator ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Its obvious somebody programmed it.
Next!

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Posted by ( 1madvet ) on February 22, 2008 at 6:05 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( bully3 ) on February 22, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I think a night in the oven on self clean will do the trick. From what I understand it will reset the electronics

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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:15 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( 1madvet ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I had a favorite toy once but soon learned that the box was more fun.

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Posted by ( rocknroll ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

1madvet
your a sick pup lol
good one

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Posted by ( 1madvet ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

People say I'm crazy but it takes all my time, okay, everyone, life's been gooood to me so far. Hey, you in the underware with the coffee mug. Your'e not singing!

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Posted by ( sanders7rr ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

This story is so stupid when it ran last night on the 5:30 news I had to change the channel. Gave WFLA another chance this morning. Same report. Same reaction.

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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I am sitting here laughing hysterically just thinking about that.

Of course, this is not front page worthy, but it's great nonetheless.

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Posted by ( SpanishInquisition ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

This family could be well served by putting this guy up on ebay. Instead of a lousy voucher for a replacement, I guarantee some weirdo (like me!) would love to have a threatening Elmo on display!

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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:31 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( Landsturm ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:40 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( lolafalala ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

These are actually Elmo's evil clones. There are many out there. It's been known that after being subjected to perform for years, day after day with little or no sleep, the Sesame Street gang eventually turn evil. You can see for yourself:
http://www.bertisevil.tv/index2.htm

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Posted by ( TampaSlim ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

This just in - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired John "Chucky" Gruden and named ELMO as the new head coach.

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Posted by ( Stames_70 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

The best part about this article are the comments...you guys are great. LOL
We need another Chucky sequel...Chucky vs ELMO...like alien vs predator.

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Posted by ( Dorian_Gray ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

If you can find one that spouts jihadist propaganda, call me!

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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Why is a two year old boy playing with dolls anyway?

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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Mom needs to lay off the xanax and oxys for a little while...

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Posted by ( GF ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Unless the doll grabs a knife or gun, I think that little Jimmy will be OK.

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Posted by ( steves542 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

As long as Elmo doesn't say "pray for Dick"

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Posted by ( MarleneThompson50 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

It was saying the second half of "Tic kle" James. "kle" sounds a lot like kill.

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Posted by ( MarleneThompson50 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I do enjoy reading the humorous comments though.

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Posted by ( crumbsnatcher23 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

OK people, If this doll is programmable, i think she needs to find out which of her relatives programmed it.

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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Why is she complaining? She could use it to reinforce discipline around the house!

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Posted by ( TVchad ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

it's saying TELL JAMES!!! Tell that loser to she ain't getting her payday today.

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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

TVchad, I agree. And that is why she doesn't want to reprogram it.

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Posted by ( apmatssim ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

She needs a good dump from a wheel chair.

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Posted by ( Apexs ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

LOL Tickle Me Emo

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Posted by ( mcurrier ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

scottfwtx So much anger. Get help now.

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Posted by ( TBObob ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I agree with Gladiator....someone has gotten a hold of Elmo, programmed him to say this, and Mom is unaware of it. Nice prank on a 2-year old.

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Posted by ( BernHard ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Sounds like Hellmo to me.

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Posted by ( BigJim ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I think The lady is still traumatized with Chucky!!

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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

And also, just say this Elmo doll is saying what the Mother thinks it's saying...That's hardly a "threat", its more of a statement. Two totally different things.

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Posted by ( LittleRedRidingHog ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Obviously the work of government space aliens.

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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:38 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( OriginalJud ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:46 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

mcurrier, where do you see anger? MYOB.

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Posted by ( OriginalJud ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

tickle my top hat

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Posted by ( SnowWorshipper ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Doesn't anyone remember those dolls for babies that were made in China that said "I hate you"? There were a bunch of them around the country. It's those angry Chinese factory workers, I tell ya.

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Posted by ( Megs ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Has anyone questioned the Church of Scientology?

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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Run - I didn't earn the name "Darth" for nothing.....

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Posted by ( SusieQ6563 ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:32 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( LARGO_TOM ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

A clear case of demonic lawyer possession.

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Posted by ( Bielecki ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Doesn't anyone watch the Simpsons? Clearly, someone flipped the "Good/Evil" switch on Elmo to "evil"... just switch it back to "good". Sheesh

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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Someone should check Elmo's back and see if the switch is on "Evil" instead of "Good"........

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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Bielecki - You beat me to it!!!!!

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Posted by ( deez ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I would laugh my a** off if this was me!!! WHO CARES, I can't believe she even made a big deal about it; take it back to the store, get a new one, and get over it!

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Posted by ( rkaeser ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

scottfwtx...its more of a stuffed animal. there's nothing wrong with a 2 year old boy having a toy like that. this lady is just looking for some cash! i heard this on the news and i couldnt even tell what it was saying.

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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

James, I'm Home! Here's ELMO! All work and no play makes elmo a dull toy. all work and no play makes elmo a dull toy. all work and no play makes elmo a dull toy.all work and no play makes elmo a dull toy.all work and no play makes elmo a dull toy.all work and no play makes elmo a dull toy.all work and no play makes elmo a dull toy! LMAO what Movie is it?

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Posted by ( thirdeye ) on February 22, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Thank you one and all for all the laughs. Everytime I thought a comment couldn't be topped it was! TGIF

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Posted by ( kiop ) on February 22, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

LMAO on all these comments!!

If she was so upset at the stoopid thing, why didn't she just take the fricken batteries out? Sheesh..

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Posted by ( AllThingsPass ) on February 22, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

When I first saw this, I thought it was The Onion newspaper. When I finally accepted that it was a real, reported story, I asked myself 'what's the point?' The mom's point was getting her 15 minutes at the expense of her son. It's right, though, that she won't let this go until the novelty wears off. Maybe it'll get on America's Funniest Home Videos, especially if she gets it to scare the kid. Can it walk and hold out its arms and stare wide-eyed? Of course it was made in China. What better evidence that it's really saying what she says? What it really means is 'Death to Capitalistic Imperialism'. N ow, do we go and send Kill Wu Lin Yi dolls to them (hey, do we export anything to China)?

This is Elmo OFF the Prozac (sold separately) that he uses to get through Sesame Street each day.

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Posted by ( markcih ) on February 22, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( crysntrin ) on February 22, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

this is so funny

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Posted by ( jasin ) on February 22, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ( eagle ) on February 22, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

ya'll are cracking me up...where is Toecutter? The scientologists are responsible!!

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Posted by ( DarthManhandle ) on February 22, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

It's the latest toy craze... Murder me Elmo.

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Posted by ( donk2006 ) on February 22, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Thank God he did not say something like "Math is hard"...that would be the end of the freakin world. That kid is like 2 years old he has the attention span of a house fly, hide the doll and give him a few minutes and he will forget all about it. My daughter has this exact same doll. You plug it into your computer and basically you can make the doll say anything you want. I read the story earlier and just at this moment programmed her Elmo say the exact same thing so I would probably say that daddy or mommy did this looking for a quick payday...wait a minute...forget I wrote this I am calling my local tv station...

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Posted by ( noneya ) on February 22, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

It sounds like kill only because that's what I've been told it sounds like. Had no one suggested it, I would probably hear something along the lines of tell. It definately sounds like it's malfunctioning, or losing battery power. What interests me is the way the mother says that her concern is that her son is now saying kill and that there's nothing that fisher price can do to.. she stops short of finishing that sentence. She wont send it in for a replacement or just reprogram it and buy higher quality batteries like a consumer with common sense that can handle minor toy issues on their own. Oh no, she's shopping for lawyers for sure. Hope she gets nothing because I have a 3yr old and don't need the price of toys going up so that she can cash in on something stupid.

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Posted by ( noneya ) on February 22, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

p.s. Every talking toy my children have ever owned starts malfunctioning at some point after a time of being hit, thrown, laid on, sat on, peed on, dipped in a toilet, bath or sink, etc. Wear and tear always make those types of toys start to become unable to complete words or phrases from user damage. It may be trying to say tickle after having gotten wet.. Anyway, just a suggestion mom. If you freak out this badly about him hearing the word kill now, you're really going to have a nervous breakdown with what he'll be hearing in middle school.

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Posted by ( bucswin1010 ) on February 22, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

This lady is obviously on CRACK. They are probally planning on killing the poor littlr kid. Someone needs to investigate the family. I had one of the Elmo dolls and it said " Kill People Looking to sue other people"

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Posted by ( Mouthpiece6916 ) on February 22, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

If you saw it on Channel 8, maybe it was Gail Gyuardo saying "Kill Bill" in her usual drunken voice! Watch out Ratliff!!!!

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Posted by ( arvinsloane00 ) on February 22, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

What the Elmo was saying was, "Quiero James" (I love James)--obviously, they got the Spanish version of Elmo. Oofah!

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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 22, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Wow, jeezy-creezy - I sure that wonderful family is ok! That sure is a creepy thing to have happen!
Better?

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Posted by ( ww ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

What's scarier than a "Kill-Me Elmo"? The fact that DarthRandall has been commenting on this page for over 6 hours.

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Posted by ( kdspapa ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I can't see even the dumbest attorney taking this case. Does she honestly think nobody realizes...if you can program the doll to say "James" you can program it to say "Kill James"? I'd say the better case is against the the mother for possible extortion.

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Posted by ( katsrus3 ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

MOM!! Execise your parental power!
Remove the batteries!! Kid can still play
with beloved toy. Take charge!

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Posted by ( Sunshine1998 ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Sounds like someone has been hitting the bottle. I wonder if Dr. Phil knows about this one. In all honesty someone needs to get a life and quite wasting time on nonsense like this and just send it to that tabloid called, "The News." This is one of the stupidest thing I have ever heard of.

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Posted by ( BadCub ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I have to have one to go with my Talking Tina doll!!!!

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Posted by ( ww ) on February 22, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Loved that episode of the Twilight Zone

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Posted by ( phatt ) on February 22, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Uh... maybe they should take Elmo away in handcuffs, lock him up, and throw away the key! Sadistic little bug-eyed red guy threatening an innocent lil' kid - he's insane!! But wait! Maybe it's a set-up! Maybe... maybe...wait a minute - where's the babysitter???

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Posted by ( East_Coaster ) on February 22, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Omle knows your name, and where you live

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Posted by ( Salt ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Hello Chuckie, Its Elmo

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Posted by ( notarrogant08 ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

its alive!!!!!!!!!!!! dont put it in the closet! chucky didnt like the closet!!!and u know what happens when chucky got mad!

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Posted by ( FVK ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I would call the Department of Homeland Security IMMEDIATELY, if Elmo says “allah akbar!” But that's just me...

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Posted by ( volkswagen1995 ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Those of you ignorant folks who don't know what "programmable" means - you can record your child's name, age, likes, etc... into the toy's memory, so that it can then interact with your child. It is pre-programmed to say things like, Want to play, James? or Time for our nap, James! NOT making death threats! And why on earth would it just say "Tell James"? Tell James WHAT? Stupid people! This is obviously some sicko in the toy factory playing around to get some attention for HIMSELF, because that is like what serial-killers do! Leave their mark that they can recognize, even if no one else can identify them! Shame on you sickos who applaud this crap!

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Posted by ( Nanea ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Thanks to this forum I've come up with a new toy idea: Darth Randall.

No batteries though; true to reality, it will be completely life-less

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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 22, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

volkswagen calm down and quit calling people names.You're worse than the toy.

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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 22, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

volkswagen1995, get over yourself. I guess this is the first toy in history to malfunction.

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Posted by ( thingo ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Just by looking at the mother, she looks like someone that should be investigated and background check done on her. She probably bought the slippers right before making the report.

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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

When my toy train said "chew chew" my parents didn't alert the media.

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Posted by ( RedRose111 ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

LOL ROFLMAO!!! I don't know what is funnier the segment or all the comments! We'll have to remember this incident so in 20 years when James grows up to be a serial killer we'll know where he originally got the idea.

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Posted by ( kingfan ) on February 23, 2008 at 1:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

runvapid - the movie by king with the overlook hotel was the shining

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Posted by ( bdog ) on February 23, 2008 at 2:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

NOTICE: TO ANYONE NAMED JAMES.....RUN AND HIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by ( Pyrocharles ) on February 23, 2008 at 3:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

The kid's mommy has an overactive imagination. In the video clip, Elmo says, "Yowl Ping." The child should be concerned. It is the voices in Mommy's head suggesting, "Kill James."

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Posted by ( CrazyIvan ) on February 23, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

HOWWWWLLLLLLLLL! :)

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Posted by ( bilsidpk ) on February 23, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

How come a Newly bought toy RAN OUT of battery so fast? My kid had an elmo, spiderman, Rocking horse when he was two. most of them didn't run out of battery for years.

Oooooooooooooooh I am so concern this doll is teaching my son wrong things. What are you doing lady? who is the mother you or the KID? be her boss don't be driven by a two years old? get a grip.

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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 23, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Maybe she should save the money she spends spoiling her brat with Elmo toys and buy some new curtains.

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Posted by ( hollandsworth777 ) on February 23, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

wow lol

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Posted by ( Megs ) on February 23, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

NEWS ALERT: My elmo just told volkswagen1995 where to shove his comments!

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Posted by ( nikolai ) on February 23, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

You could get a fortune for that thing on Ebay!

I'd be more worried about the house they live in rather than the doll!

Move out QUICKLY!

Elmo, the power of Christ compels you!!

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Posted by ( noneya ) on February 23, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

volkswagen1995- Stupid is thinking that a much used favorite toy that eventually runs out of batteries, and suffers the wrath of a toddler on a daily basis, came out of the factory programmed to say kill. Why didn't it say kill all along then? Also, I've bought generic batteries that have turned out to be worthless before. I've also seen singing/talking toys do things like start babbling incoherently on their own in the middle of the night, go from sounding like a pleasant female voice singing abc's to sounding like a demon male voice getting stuck on the letter b and so on. It happens. She needs to change the batteries, reprogram it and quit being an overly dramatic and hysterical mother. A less stupid person would have thought that was creepy, showed a few friends/family for laughs and then fixed it. I bet this kid didn't start saying kill James until mommy started going on and on about how it says kill James. You know how you fix that? Quit saying it infront of him and he'll forget the word within a day. Plus, he shouldn't, at his age, even know what kill means so she should be able to reverse the damage she caused by letting him move on to saying a word that he probably knows the meaning of. Like tickle.

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Posted by ( csassysister ) on February 23, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I have 9 Elmos and the only thing they say to me is "dust me"......can I get one that says kill my ex,

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Posted by ( WFLAsucks ) on February 23, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Let me get this straight. Your reporter states that the elmo is programmed to say different comments YET sells this story as if ELMO just decided to say KILL JAMES? Mom or dad programmed it to say this, and then duped a obviously moronic reporter and station so they could be on TV. And it got picked up by NATIONAL news. I hope fisher price sues YOU AND THE MOM for millions. What were you thinking???????? What idiot believes this story? YOU ARE NO LONGER A CREDIBLE NEWS STATION!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by ( Chances_Are ) on February 23, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Who the hell is James?? THIS IS RIDICULOUS!! Maybe if she gets some money she can buy a new couch and curtains...

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Posted by ( DarthManhandle ) on February 23, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

James is the little kids name. i guess you can program the toy to say your name.

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Posted by ( Chances_Are ) on February 23, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Taking the freaking batteries out and give it back to the kid. How can it be his favorite toy, he just got it. Total BS and thanks TBO for keeping things light...

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Posted by ( Greybeard ) on February 23, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Bully3 would like to "put (the evil Elmo) in the oven". Never read the short story, "He who waits", did you, bully? The doll's ancient evil soul excapes into the body of whoever next opens the oven door. The doll was only a surrogate vessal for the soul.

With this mother, is Elmo also a surrogate? Child desperately searches the house... climbs to closet shelves... searching... for lost affection?..., for functional parenting?..., for...?

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Posted by ( MrTampa ) on February 23, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I love tacos

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Posted by ( jeda ) on February 23, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

That toy is cursed,and if you don't take it away from that child,he will harm him as well.

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Posted by ( nikolai ) on February 23, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Due to the rip roaring success of the "Elmo Knows Your Name doll" we here at FIsher-Price have decided to market the ALL NEW "Theodore Threats Doll" who utters 26 adorable new phrases:

A- Axe Amy
B- Bayonette Boris
C- Crush Corky
D- Destroy Danny
E- Erase Emily
F- Fry Freddy
G- Garotte Georgie
H- Hang Heloise
I- Incinerate Inez
J- Jab Jacob
K- Knife Nate
L- Lynch Lucy
M- Murder Mikey
N- Nail Naiome
O- Off Omar
P- Pistol Whip Patsy
Q- Quiet Quint
R- Roast Reynaldo
S- Shoot Sherman
T- TNT Terrance
U- Undo EUnice
V- Vaporize Vicky
W- Whack Willie
X- Xterminate Xavier
Y- Yoke Yoko
Z- Zap Zak

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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 23, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

OK the mother got her 15 minutes of fame. Let's let this story go, PLEASE?

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Posted by ( wfin2004 ) on February 23, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

How about just this one last comment scottftwx...Z-Zap Zak..."Don't tase me Bro".
wfin

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Posted by ( Chances_Are ) on February 23, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Why is it when you mention how pathetic of a story this is, TBO removes your post. Not just say it was deleted, but completely remove it...
Talk about biased reporting... STUPID STORY!!!

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Posted by ( krusha420 ) on February 24, 2008 at 12:06 a.m.

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Posted by ( krusha420 ) on February 24, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

ok ok well if elmo wanted to kill james he most have had a good reason jammes most have been i pyco rapist or alien and well momma lay off the weed or watever you be smokin a had a dream that i got raped by big bird can i get on the news for that i mean really i want justise i;ll get you big bird elmo have fun killin james i wanna talk to my lawer

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Posted by ( twilitezone61 ) on February 24, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

BEWARE, the army DOLLS OF DARKNESS want
us to think it's just a joke!

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Posted by ( DrCruelty ) on February 24, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

This programmable Elmo connects to a PC with a USB cable. It could be family doing this on purpose, could be hackers, could be she did a web search and downloaded something to it NOT from the toy maker!

Either way, she needs to get over it and stop fishing for her unearned handout. This story should have been scrutinized MUCH more than it was before damaging a company's reputation for what is probably a malicious act or just plain dumb mistake by this woman.

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Posted by ( mcox567 ) on February 24, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

When Elmo is your kids favorite toy, you've got more problems than whatever mostly incoherent thing it is "saying."

At least the stupid parent fittingly got her own stupid article - and picture

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Posted by ( queenamidala ) on February 24, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I listened to it and it is saying Tell James. I see lawsuit from this mother who needs some meds. You can hear anything you want to hear. And as far as her calling the company, give me a break. Some people want their 15 minutes of fame. I sure would even if I was the laughing stock of the area.

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Posted by ( queenamidala ) on February 24, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

nikolai --- ROFLMBO Good ones there

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Posted by ( rsb ) on February 24, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

YOU GUYS ARE ALL CRAZY! THIS IS REALLY SERIOUS! GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHY STEM CELL RESEARCH AND CLONING CAN NOT CONTINUE! EVENTUALLY THERE WILL BE AN ARMY OF ELMO'S. THEN WE WILL SEE WHO IS LAUGHING! KING OF THE ELMO'S WILL BE! LOL

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Posted by ( STK ) on February 24, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Sorry boys and girls, I am better that the doll was tampered with, say, possibly by the people looking to get their names in the paper?

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Posted by ( STK ) on February 24, 2008 at 9:15 p.m.

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Posted by ( twilitezone61 ) on February 24, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

THE RISE OF THE ELMO'S!!!!

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Posted by ( sugaree53 ) on February 24, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Hmmm...my ex-husbnds name is James--can I borrow that toy?

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Posted by ( aneye4beauty ) on February 25, 2008 at 3:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

How could a reporter fall for this? It is an insult to the viewing audience's intelligence at the least I'd say.

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Posted by ( iamjim ) on February 25, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

How could a reporter fall for this? Easy. It sells. If you think not, just count the number of posts above.

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Posted by ( rumtumtum ) on February 25, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

made in china =)

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Posted by ( lornoborno ) on February 25, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

We all knew Bert was evil – but not Elmo. I wonder if Elmo’s a Scientologist?

If Elmo was made in China, it might make good on its threat – lead poisoning.

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Posted by ( JVWatts ) on February 25, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I'd hit it

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Posted by ( Curibes ) on February 25, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

What will people think of next? Mom sure doesn't look too scared in the picture!!

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Posted by ( youngb863 ) on February 25, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Is this one of those dolls that can be played with in the store? Some little thugs probably messed around with it and then when batteries were reinstalled it mixed everything up.

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Posted by ( nicievans ) on February 25, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

runvapid, 91stormvet - ya'll are thinking of "The Shining" starring Jack Nicholson.

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Posted by ( Xcalibur ) on February 25, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

When will the muppet persecution end? This is obviosly a frame up of Elmo to get him sent to Gitmo. Fight the power Elmo!

We need Johnny Cockran on this one. Someone's got to pay!

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Posted by ( PascoArt ) on February 25, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Hmmm, must be one of those new "Global Elite" Elmo Dolls ...the one that tells young children that the New World Order is their friend and they must inform someone in authority whenever mom or dad does something that New World Order doesn't approve of.

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Posted by ( CConrad ) on February 25, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

OMG! I can't even believe poeple wasted this much time writing about this STUPID story. Obviously a malfunction, cheap batteries, or the parents programmed it to say that. Hard to believe the news even covered this. What a bunch of BS. Pathetic!

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Posted by ( flowergirl ) on February 25, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I remember the time my Cabbage Patch doll said "I buried Paul." Odd, I thought.

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Posted by ( 6ftunder ) on February 25, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

It seems pretty obvious to me that someone else had access to the doll, hooked it up to the computer and programmed it to say Kill James. This is not news. TBO has really been grasping for straws lately.

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Posted by ( SpringHillCitizen ) on February 25, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Where can I find one of these dolls to go along with the one I have that says, "I love you"?????

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Posted by ( SpringHillCitizen ) on February 25, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Could 'James' be the name of the naked senior that the police 'tried' to subdue?

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Posted by ( pokethefire ) on February 25, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

i guess it was a slow news day!

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