John Lasseter, Pixar co-founder, taking leave of absence amid sexual harassment claims

Pixar co-founder and Walt Disney Animation chief John Lasseter informed employees Tuesday that he is taking a six-month leave of absence after a story by The Hollywood Reporter cited multiple sources accusing him of exhibiting a pattern of inappropriate behavior toward women.

“I’ve recently had a number of difficult conversations that have been very painful for me,” Mr. Lasseter wrote in a company memo, obtained by THR. “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. 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,” he wrote. “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.”

THR reported Tuesday that while Rashida Jones is still credited as a writer on the upcoming movie “Toy Story 4,” sources said the actress and her writing partner, Will McCormack, left the project in the beginning stages after Mr. Lasseter made an unwanted advance.

Multiple sources reportedly said the situation with Ms. Jones was only one instance in a long history of inappropriate behavior toward female employees, including “grabbing, kissing, [and] making comments about physical attributes.” They said some women at Pixar knew to turn their heads quickly when greeting Mr. Lasseter to avoid his kisses, and that some pulled a move they dubbed “the Lasseter” to keep him from touching their legs, THR reported.

In his memo, Mr. Lasseter said he is taking a “six-month sabbatical” in order 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.”