John Lasseter Steps Down From Pixar After Allegations Of Sexual Harassment

#MeToo continues to be heard loud and clear throughout Hollywood. Men in all corners of the industry are being held accountable for their behavior and facing the consequences for harassment and assault that for too long has been ignored. Now, one of the mightiest studios in town may have a major executive in a potential crisis.

THR reports that Pixar‘s John Lasseter is taking a leave of absence for “missteps” that he acknowledges left staff feeling “disrespected or uncomfortable.” According to the trade, the allegations that are surfacing include Lasseter “grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes” with women, to the extent that employees created a move known as “the Lasseter” to avoid having him touch their legs. Even more, he’s alleged to have made an unwanted advance on Rashida Jones, a credited writer on the upcoming “Toy Story 4,” who later left the project over what were cited as “creative differences.”

This marks the first major studio executive, following Harvey Weinstein, to fall as Hollywood’s male power players come under increasing scrutiny. Here’s the memo that Lasseter sent to staff:

I have always wanted our animation studios to be places where creators can explore their vision with the support and collaboration of other gifted animators and storytellers. This kind of creative culture takes constant vigilance to maintain. It’s built on trust and respect, and it becomes fragile if any members of the team don’t feel valued. As a leader, it’s my responsibility to ensure that doesn’t happen; and I now believe I have been falling short in this regard.

I’ve recently had a number of difficult conversations that have been very painful for me. It’s never easy to face your missteps, but it’s the only way to learn from them. As a result, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the leader I am today compared to the mentor, advocate and champion I want to be. It’s been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable. That was never my intent. Collectively, you mean the world to me, and I deeply apologize if I have let you down. I especially want to apologize to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way, shape, or form. No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.

In my conversations with Disney, we are united in our commitment to always treat any concerns you have with the seriousness they deserve, and to address them in an appropriate manner. We also share a desire to reinforce the vibrant, respectful culture that has been the foundation of our studios’ success since the beginning. And we agree the first step in that direction is for me to take some time away to reflect on how to move forward from here. As hard as it is for me to step away from a job I am so passionate about and a team I hold in the highest regard, not just as artists but as people, I know it’s the best thing for all of us right now. My hope is that a six-month sabbatical will give me the opportunity to start taking better care of myself, to recharge and be inspired, and ultimately return with the insight and perspective I need to be the leader you deserve.

I’m immensely proud of this team, and I know you will continue to wow the world in my absence. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to working together again in the new year.

John 

Lasseter was one of the most influential figures on the Disney  lot. He was one of the founding members of Pixar, and in 2006, he was promoted chief creative officer of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Lasseter was the animation brand, and the biggest voice for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios efforts. The news comes as Pixar’s “Coco” is set to this Thanksgiving weekend.