LOS ANGELES, May 8 -- Elmo may love hugs, but he definitely didn't love going viral for a fake layoff.

A recent LinkedIn post claiming the beloved red Muppet was booted from Sesame Street due to US federal budget cuts has sent the internet into a tizzy, entertainment news outlet Variety reported yesterday.

The post, written in classic Elmo-speak, declared: "Unfortunately Elmo was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts. Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad."

The "layoff notice" also included this touching farewell.

"Elmo is going to miss his friends Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert, Abby, Grover, Count and so many more. Elmo is looking for his next opportunity. Elmo LOVES giving hugs."

It ended wit...