Details Emerge From Disney/Pixar In Alleged John Lasseter Misconduct

The hits just keep on coming this year, and this update to the story we just reported on about Disney/Pixar head John Lasseter taking a six-month sabbatical from the company after “missteps” continues to build.

The Hollywood Reporter has some detailed reports of the alleged misconduct of Lasseter from actress/writer Rashida Jones.  THR says their sources state Jones and her writing partner Will McCormack “left the project early on after John Lasseter, the acclaimed head of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation, made an unwanted advance.”

This alleged occurrence is not the only case thus far, as a previous Pixar employee who did not want to be named stated that Lasseter, who is well known for hugging employees, was also known for “grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes.” Back in 2011, The Wall Street Journal ran a piece about the “48 hugs administered by Lasseter during our day spent with him.”

Things get worse from there, with further statements and comments from other sources. Apparently, Lasseter’s alleged behavior was well known, and that female employees at Pixar knew to “turn their heads quickly when encountering him to avoid his kisses.” THR also says some of these employees used a move they called “the Lasseter” to prevent their boss from putting his hands on their legs.

Lasseter released a statement just a short while ago addressing these allegations with some familiar wording. It’s starting to feel like we should play a drinking game every time a higher-up Hollywood personality speaks about “missteps,” “mentoring,” “irresponsible,” “it has been brought to my attention,” and/or “I have been made aware.”

Currently the Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios and DisneyToon Studios, Lasseter has been the face of both Disney and Pixar animation for several years, with his trademark character shirts.

Disney/Pixar is releasing their new feature film Coco this week.

Featured image credit: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com