Beijing, China- Following the media row over allegedly underage gymnasts on the Chinese Olympic team, Web sensation Pedobear has emerged from the dark corners of the internet to take center stage in the unfolding controversy.

The pedophilic bear has been detained by Beijing Police and charged with an Attempted Lewd Act With a Child after arranging a private meeting with gymnasts He Kexin, Jiang Yuyuan, Yang Yilin during last week's opening ceremonies.

"The girls told me they were 16," said Pedobear from jail. "I have done nothing wrong. I was convinced they met the age of consent according to Chinese law."

According to the International Olympic Committee, Pedobear began an online correspondence with the gymnasts in June, at which time he claims he was misled about their age. "I'm virtual friends with all of the Chinese gymnasts on MySpace, where they are listed as 16 years old. Before making the trip to Beijing, I asked each of them to show me two forms of identification. I even sent them webcams so they could prove their age."

The ursine meme claimed he travelled to Beijing to help the gymnasts with their "homework." The IOC confiscated three McDonald's Happy Meals and a roll of duct tape from Pedobear's car.

When contacted, Pedobear's 14-year-old public relations manager wished to remain anonymous.