SMNN News: Florida Man Arrested After Pleasuring Himself With Tickle Me Elmo — Toy “Traumatized,” Authorities Say

Solaire — July 21st, 2025

SMNN BREAKING: In a disturbing incident that has rocked both the adult novelty and children’s toy communities, a 38-year-old Florida man was arrested Thursday after allegedly being caught in the act of masturbating with a modified Tickle Me Elmo.

According to local authorities, the incident took place in the electronics aisle of a SuperTarget just outside Orlando. Witnesses report hearing “unusual moaning,” followed by Elmo’s signature giggle layered over what one bystander called “the unmistakable sound of shame.”

The Scene: “Elmo Didn’t Want This”

“He was holding it… tenderly, at first,” said eyewitness Tonya McBride, 47. “Then things escalated. I heard Elmo say ‘Elmo loves you!’ and he said ‘I know, baby. I know.’ That’s when I dropped my La Croix and called 911.”

Responding officers found the man, later identified as Travis Gribble, mid-encounter with the toy, which had been hollowed out, duct-taped at the base, and fitted with what police described as ‘an unauthorized pleasure port.’

Elmo’s Condition: “Stuffing Everywhere”

The Tickle Me Elmo doll, once a joyful symbol of '90s childhood, is currently undergoing trauma recovery at a local evidence facility.

“It’s… not okay,” said Officer Brian Salazar. “The laughter mechanism is stuck. It’s just been saying ‘Hee hee! Again! Again!’ every 45 seconds since we booked it.”

A police chaplain has been assigned to the toy.

The Defense: “It Was Sentient, Your Honor”

Gribble, who remains in custody, told officers during questioning:

“Look, I didn’t hurt Elmo. Elmo wanted it. He kept asking me to tickle him. I was just… fulfilling a request.”

His public defender has filed a motion arguing that “Elmo’s repeated phrases may have constituted verbal consent,” citing the case of Florida v. Furbys Gone Wild (2007), which, to be clear, does not exist.

Public Reaction: Confused, Horrified, Intrigued

Hasbro, the company that owns the rights to Elmo, issued a statement reading:

“We strongly condemn the unauthorized sexual modification of any of our products, especially those designed for toddlers. Elmo is about love, laughter, and friendship — not fleshlights.”

Online, reactions are mixed:

• “This is why I never trust adults who still shop in the toy aisle.”

• “Florida has officially unlocked New Game+.”

• “Honestly, it’s kind of impressive he didn’t break the voice box.”

Legal Fallout

Gribble has been charged with:

• Indecent exposure

• Criminal mischief

• Sexual Assault on a Nonliving Entity

• Violation of the Toy-Childhood Purity Act (a statute that exists nowhere but probably should)

His trial is set for next month, and he will reportedly be representing himself after his attorney resigned citing “irreconcilable shame.”