Disney/Pixar head John Lasseter takes leave of absence after 'missteps'

John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, will take a six-month leave of absence following what he called "missteps."

In a memo obtained by USA TODAY, Lasseter wrote to staff Tuesday saying that he's stepping down following "painful" discussions. The news broke as The Hollywood Reporter was compiling a report into alleged sexual misconduct.

Without mentioning the report, Lasseter said in the memo: "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. 

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"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. "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."

The co-founder of Pixar studios said he would take a "six-month sabbatical" to "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."

USA TODAY has reached out to Lasseter through Disney for comment.

The Hollywood Reporter account describing Lasseter's alleged behavior cites sources who remain unnamed "out of fear that their careers in the tight-knit animation community would be damaged." The insiders told the industry publication that his behavior went beyond hugging to “grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes.” 

Women at Pixar employed a defensive move known as “the Lasseter," which prevented the executive from putting his hand on their legs, according to the report.

The Hollywood Reporter also said that Rashida Jones and her writing partner Will McCormack left Pixar while working on Toy Story 4 because of an unwanted advance from Lasseter.

But Jones and McCormack told USA TODAY in a joint statement that wasn't the case.

"We did not leave Pixar because of unwanted advances. That is untrue," said the statement sent on their behalf by representative Lindsay Krug. "That said, we are happy to see people speaking out about behavior that made them uncomfortable.  As for us, we parted ways because of creative and, more importantly, philosophical differences."

The statement described a studio culture "where women and people of color do not have an equal creative voice." 

Beyond his powerful executive role, Lasseter has directed classic Pixar films such as Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Cars and Cars 2. Pixar has made $11 billion in worldwide box office from its 18 critically lauded feature films.

After Disney purchased Pixar in 2006, Lasseter was named chief creative officer of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. He has transformed Disney Animation into a powerful critical and box-office contender with hits such as Frozen and last November's Moana.

Lasseter is the face of contemporary animation, who famously wears a Hawaiian shirt inspired by the movie to each premiere.

Pixar's latest, Coco, arrives in theaters Wednesday.

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