John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, says he’s taking a six month leave of absence amid sexual harassment allegations.
Lasseter announced his sabbatical Tuesday.
That same day, The Hollywood Reporter published allegations that the Pixar co-founder is known for “grabbing, kissing, and making comments about physical attributes.”
In an internal memo sent to Disney employees, Lasseter said “It’s been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable,” he wrote in an email. “That was never my intent. ”
In the statement, Lasseter also acknowledged “painful” conversations and unspecified “missteps,” and apologized to those who may have been “on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line.”
A spokesperson for Disney wrote: “We appreciate John’s candor and sincere apology and fully support his sabbatical.”
Disney bought Pixar in 2006 in roughly a $7 billion deal that made Lasseter the chief creative officer for the company’s two animation studios.
Lasseter is credited with a resurgence for Disney’s Animation, which has seen recent hits like “Frozen” and “Moana.”
He’s also an executive producer for “Coco,” Pixar’s latest film scheduled to hit theaters on Wednesday.
This magical Christmas decoration will be won by one lucky Neverlander who orders a December parcel of any kind. All you have to do is order a box and one lucky winner will receive this as an additional item in your parcel along with all the other items.
Mickey takes his own good time to make kitchen magic with this five quart Slow Cooker and 20 ounce dipper for all your favorite crockery cooking recipes.
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In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, we present this Snow White Watch by INVICTA as part of the Disney Limited Edition Watch Collection, where timing dreams and wishes do, in fact, come true.
Mickey’s Mouseketeer ears are designed with favorite characters from across the wonderful world of Disney on this fine, fashion tote with leather finishings by Dooney & Bourke.
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Let the Force of the day fade away while wearing these all cotton lounge pants with Rebel Alliance Starbird and a collage of iconic Star Wars starships including the Millennium Falcon.
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Combine the world’s most popular theme parks with the world’s most popular board game and you’ll have the world’s most fun! This edition features your favorite attractions, Disney character tokens and a pop-up Disney castle.
Our big plush Pua, inspired by Disney Moana, is the softest sow in the Pacific islands. He’s sure to hog-up all your hugs.
