T-Pain Steps in to Defend Elmo Against Larry David: ‘Say the Word’

Not many could’ve had T-Pain defending Elmo’s honor on their 2024 bingo card, but here we are. The “Buy U a Drank” rapper-singer came to Elmo’s defense after the Sesame Street staple was attacked on the Today show by actor-comedian Larry David on Thursday (Feb. 1).

“I know I didn’t just see my mans @elmo assaulted on live TV,” T-Pain wrote on X.

Shortly after, the Florida-bred artist offered to back up Elmo if needed. “@Elmo just say the word,” he added in an Instagram Story post.

Elmo went viral on X earlier this week when he simply asked how everyone was doing and received a slew of negative responses. T-Pain shrewdly replied quoting some of the lyrics from his 2007 “Bartender” anthem.

“I’m just looking for somebody to talk to and show me some love if you know what I mean,” he responded to Elmo on Monday (Jan. 29).

On the heels of going viral, Elmo and his father Mr. Louie made the Today appearance on Thursday (Feb. 1), which was crashed by Larry David, who was also part of the broadcast to promote the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

“Come back to the couch and let’s talk about how you feel,” Elmo told David after the actor-comedian in the face. An anchor for the show added, “Larry, you’ve gone too far this time.”

While he did end up apologizing on set to Elmo, David didn’t express much remorse for the altercation with the Sesame Street character, as he said Late Night With Seth Myers: “And you know what? I would do it again!”

See T-Pain’s tweet and the altercation between David and Elmo below: