Sesame Street character Elmo has delivered a message to fans after being inundated with people saying they are struggling with life – with even US President Joe Biden joining in the conversation.
It comes after the red Muppet posted on X on Monday: “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?”
More than 13,000 people wrote back – with the responses showing that many were finding things difficult.
“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,” said one reply with 38,000 likes.
“I’m at my lowest. Thanks for asking,” wrote one follower, while another posted bluntly: “Elmo I just got laid off.”
However, some of the posts also appeared to be tongue-in-cheek.
The children’s character – who has more than 500,000 followers on X – seemed taken aback by the candid responses and has since posted a supportive message for fans.
He wrote: “Wow! Elmo is glad he asked!
“Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing. Elmo will check in again soon, friends! Elmo loves you. #EmotionalWellBeing.”
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On Wednesday Mr Biden also chipped in, via a post on his @POTUS account.
He wrote: “I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days.
“Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbour in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it.
“Even though it’s hard, you’re never alone.”
Other organisations to offer supportive replies to Elmo on the social network site include the United Nations and US space agency NASA.