EXCLUSIVE

There doesn't seem to be a lot of people voicing their support for Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash these days, but he does have one big fan ... Brian Henson, the son of Muppets creator Jim Henson.

Henson -- who directed "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and "Muppet Treasure Island" -- told our photog yesterday at LAX that Clash is "a great, great performer" and "a wonderful professional."

Clash resigned last week after a second accuser came forward claiming to have had a sexual relationship with Clash when he was underage.

FUN FACT -- Did you happen to spot Henson's wife in the background of the video? He's married to "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" star Mia Sara. Random, right?