Updated

Sesame Workshop has apologized for what it calls "misunderstandings around the changing cast roles at 'Sesame Street.'"

A statement Tuesday from Sesame Workshop CEO Jeffrey D. Dunn attempts to clarify the status of three veteran actors on the long-running children's series: Emilio Delgado, who plays Luis the handyman; Roscoe Orman, who plays Gordon; and Bob McGrath, part of the original cast since 1969.

Last week, a public uproar erupted from McGrath's assertion that they had been fired months before.

Dunn acknowledged that producers could have done a better job of communicating future episode plans with the three stars.

He said he expected to meet with each of them to discuss "how we best adapt their talents to the current content needs ... in a way that honors their historic contributions."