Disney exec quits amid scandal over ‘ unwanted hugs’
Los Angeles: Disney animation chief John Lasseter said on Friday he is quitting, six months after acknowledging in an internal memo that he had made staff feel “disrespected or uncomfortable” with unwanted hugs.
The 61- year- old executive, best known for transforming Pixar from a small graphics department at Lucasfilm into the world’s most successful animation studio, was the pioneering director of Toy Story and Toy Story 2.
Lasseter apologised last November to “anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line” and promptly went on sabbatical.“The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” the executive said in a statement released by Disney.
“While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges.”
The Oscar- winning filmmaker conceded when the scandal broke that he had been “falling short” in ensuring a culture of “trust and respect” at his animation studios. Lasseter’s issues were unearthed in an investigation by entertainment trade paper the Hollywood Reporter, which described a “pattern of alleged misconduct detailed by Disney/ Pixar insiders”.
The weekly’s report — never confirmed by Disney or Lasseter — quoted a longtime Pixar employee claiming Lasseter was known for “grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes”. Multiple sources were quoted alleging that Lasseter was a heavy drinker at company social events and that some women at Pixar knew to how avoid his kisses. Another move — “the Lasseter”— was deployed to prevent boss from placing his hands on their thighs, the report said.