John Lasseter Takes Leave of Absence From Disney and Pixar For Crossing the Line With "Unwanted Hugs"

Earlier this month I got a tip from a source that Disney and Pixar head John Lasseter was going to step down due to sexual allegations. It was hard for me to believe and I never posted it on the site because I wasn't sure if it was true or not. However, I did post something on my personal Twitter account:

I just got a shocking tip from a source about a big time Disney exec who is about to step down due to some serious allegations. We’ll see...

— Joey Paur (@JoeyPaur) November 3, 2017

According to my source, the HR department at Disney was being flooded with sexual harassment allegations against Lasseter after the whole Harvey Weinstein drama started unfolding.

Well, today John Lasseter has issued a statement saying that he is going to take a leave of absence from Disney and Pixar because of these allegations, which he calls, "unwanted hugs."  I guess the term "unwanted hugs" is a bit more Disney friendly than "sexual harrassment".

During his time away, Lasseter and the studio will reflect on how they will move forward from here. That means his future at Disney might be up in the air, but he hopes to return in six months. I guess it depends on how serious the allegations are. I assume that Disney will be doing an internal investigation while he is away. 

Here is the full memo that Lasseter sent out to his team:

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

What are your thoughts on all Lasseter stepping away after these allegations were made aginst him.