SHOCK: John Lasseter, Genius Behind Pixar And Disney Animation, Takes Leave Of Absence Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: The press release was sent to me by Ben Shapiro, who represents the Daily Wire, and since this is the most topical news event of the day, it should be published on BCN.

    On Tuesday, head of Disney Animation John Lasseter took a leave of absence from Pixar after admitting "missteps" and "painful" conversations with staff. He did not specify the missteps or the content of the conversations. However, The Hollywood Reporter says that THR was about to release a report "detailing alleged misconduct by the executive at Disney/Pixar." Lasseter is one of the biggest names in the history of animation; he's responsible for Toy Story and Toy Story 2, and the man behind the revitalization of Disney animation that led to Frozen, Tangled, and Inside Out.

    Here's the text of Lasseter's letter:

    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

    The Hollywood Reporter detailed some of the allegations in a separate story. According to the outlet, actress and writer Rashida Jones alleged that Lasseter "made an unwanted advance" on her. And apparently Jones wasn't the only one. Here's the Reporter:

    One longtime Pixar employee says Lasseter, who is well-known for hugging employees and others in the entertainment community, was also known by insiders for "grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes." Multiple sources say Lasseter is known to drink heavily at company social events such as premiere parties but this source says the behavior was not always confined to such settings. ... Some used a move they called "the Lasseter" to prevent their boss from putting his hands on their legs. ... The same source said he once noticed an oddly cropped photo of Lasseter standing between two women at a company function. When he mentioned that to a colleague, he was told, "We had to crop it. Do you know where his hands were?"

    Pixar is one of the most profitable film companies in history; they've pulled in $6 billion domestically.