Sounds like this guy wanted more than attention...
I don't see this as any different than the dorks who hacked into Sesame Street's Youtube page and posted porn. I can't even dignify that as sick behavior (sick behavior always goes further), so much as idiotic and immature. The "cleverness" is to juxtapose kiddy friendly stuff with perverted stuff.
This was ONLY to post a Yotube video... the guy's either an internet troll or a failed comedian that can't be funny on his own.
If he had another motive, he would have done something more than act like a grade A moron.
Funny thing is, the Smurfs movie pretty much predicted something like this. They called an unlicensed Elmo costume a "Red Troll."
Again, I see foolish parents taking their kids up to these jerks all the time because anyone dressed up as Elmo or Mickey can't possibly be bad. Good job, parents...
You can't blame tourists. This really hasn't come to light until a 30 Rock. It's a New York and California thing, we haven't had that problem around here in Boston, thankfully. Just fully licensed Ben Franklins. If they're not in the know (and they SHOULD be warned about it), they can't help it.
Meanwhile, I have a whole new respect for Archie comics. They have a Batcrackers insane hold on the wholesomeness of the comic book characters that they've sued rock bands that used character names and will seek legal action against fan fics (I'm terrified of drawing Jughead on DA). They're extremely litigious about their property. And if Sesame Workshop can go to those extents on those knockoff walk-a-bouts, they could just put a stop to this. I'm shocked Disney didn't seek legal action. They sued a Daycare center for crying out loud.