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John Lasseter, a Pixar Founder, Takes Leave After ‘Missteps’ - The New York Times

posted onNovember 22, 2017
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Article snippet: LOS ANGELES — One of the Walt Disney Company’s most important executives, the Pixar co-founder John Lasseter, said Tuesday that he would take “a six-month sabbatical” after unspecified “missteps” that made some staffers feel “disrespected or uncomfortable.” Mr. Lasseter, 60, made the announcement in a lengthy email sent to employees at Disney’s animation division, which he leads as chief creative officer. “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,” Mr. Lasseter wrote in the email, a copy of which was viewed by The New York Times. “No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.” Disney said in a statement: “We are committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are respected and empowered to do their best work. We appreciate John’s candor and sincere apology and fully support his sabbatical.” A spokeswoman declined to comment further. Shortly after Mr. Lasseter’s announcement, The Hollywood Reporter published an article that cited “grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes” as recurring behavior by Mr. Lasseter. The article also said Rashida Jones, the actress and writer, had left a Pixar assignment early after Mr. Lasseter made “an unwanted advance.” Ms. Jones and her writing partner, Will McCormack, had been working on the screenplay for “... Link to the full article to read more

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