I'm not quite so convinced that the sexuality of a couple of felt puppets is really all that interesting to the public at large, but Sesame Street nonetheless responded with a very unambiguous statement, stating once again that Ernie and Bert are not gay.

"Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves," the statement said. "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."