Disney animation chief John Lasseter, who helped build Pixar, quits over ‘unwanted hugs’
Multiple sources were quoted alleging that Lasseter was a heavy drinker at company social events and that some women at Pixar knew to turn their heads quickly when encountering him to avoid his kisses
Disney animation chief John Lasseter said 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 in November last year 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 and senior executive conceded when the scandal broke that he had been “falling short” in ensuring a culture of “trust and respect” at his animation studios.
He hugged and hugged and everyone’s looking at you. Just invading the space