Disney-Pixar’s John Lasseter takes leave of absence after ‘missteps’

Disney is now embroiled in the sexual-misconduct scandal going around Hollywood with Pixar’s John Lasseter taking a leave of absence for his unspecified “missteps.”

Lasseter on Nov. 21, 2017 said he is taking a six-month leave of absence from his role as Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

“It’s been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable. That was never my intent,” Lasseter wrote in a staff memo. “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.”

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Lasseter “is well-known for hugging employees and others in the entertainment community,” one insider told the Hollywood Reporter. He “was also known by insiders for ‘grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes.’”

Lasseter’s hugs have been well documented and one time was publicly considered a perk employment. In  2011 Wall Street Journal story, the paper detailed his hugs in an amusing photo spread subtitled  “A sampling from among the 48 hugs administered by Pixar chief John Lasseter during the WSJ’s daylong adventure with him,” according to the Associated Press.

Lasseter, 60, is known for directing films like “Toy Story,” ″Toy Story 2,” ″A Bug’s Life” and “Cars,” and has produced every Pixar feature since 2001′s “Monster’s, Inc.” He has been the chief creative officer for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios since 2006, when Disney purchased Pixar, and has overseen the recent Disney Animation renaissance with hits like “Frozen,” ″Moana” and “Zootopia.”

Lasseter said he will use the sabbatical to take better care of himself and “ultimately return with the insight and perspective I need to be the leader you deserve.”

Disney released the following statement regarding the allegations and Lasseter’s decision to take a leave of absence. “We are committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are respected and empowered to do their best work. We appreciate John’s candor and sincere apology and fully support his sabbatical.”