Yahoo News Pixar's John Lasseter on hiatus over staff complaints
John Lasseter will temporarily stand down from his position as chief creative officer of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios over apparent concerns about his conduct.
Lasseter announced his intention to take a six-month hiatus from all responsibilities with both studios, after receiving complaints that his workplace conduct made some employees feel "disrespected or uncomfortable" (via The Hollywood Reporter).
"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," he wrote in a memo to staff on Tuesday (November 21)
"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."
Lasseter did not give any other specifics about these staff complaints in his open letter, but he did express hope that time away from the studio would allow him "the insight and perspective [he needs] to be the leader [Disney Animation and Pixar] deserve".
This announcement comes just a few months after Lasseter confirmed at Disney's D23 Expo that he'd be stepping down as co-director of the upcoming Toy Story 4, to allow Josh Cooley to make the film solo.
Lasseter started off his storied career as an animator for Disney, before turning Lucasfilm's Graphics Group of the Computer Division into the Hollywood powerhouse that would ultimately become Pixar.
He would later become Pixar's chief director, responsible for hit animations Toy Story and its first sequel, A Bug's Life, and the first two Cars movies through Pixar's partnership with Disney. Lasseter is a two-time Academy Award recipient, having won Best Animated Short for Tin Toy in 1989 and a Special Achievement Award for Toy Story in 1995.
Digital Spy has reached out to Disney for a response to Lasseter's public apology, and for clarification on his status with both Walt Disney Animation and Pixar moving forward.
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