Who Is John Lasseter? Pixar Co-Founder Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Rashida Jones has denied all reports suggesting she left “Toy Story 4” because Pixar co-founder John Lasseter made sexual advances towards her. Lasseter is the chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios and DisneyToon Studios.

Jones was set to write the screenplay for the upcoming sequel of the “Toy Story” series. However, the actress and writer left the project early on after the animation giant made alleged unwanted advances towards her, among several other employees, according to a report in the Hollywood Reporter. Following these allegations, things have started to turn a little dark for the two time Academy Award winner.

Even after Jones' denial, the Hollywood Reporter's article mentioned several instances where Lasseter has been accused by insiders of "grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes." Multiple sources told the Hollywood Reporter Lasseter was in the habit of drinking heavily at company events, but his alleged misdemeanor was not confined to these settings.

Following these allegations, Lasseter has taken a leave of absence from the company. According to a staff memo, Lasseter said it was really difficult for him. He also apologized for his behavior and clarified it was never his intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Read the statement here.

"I've recently had a number of difficult conversations that have been very painful for me. 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. 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. As hard as it is for me to step away from a job I am so passionate about and a team I hold in the highest regard, not just as artists but as people, I know it’s the best thing for all of us right now. My hope is that a six-month sabbatical will 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.”

Amid this, a new statement issued by Jones, regarding her exit, to New York Times contributor Brooks Barnes said she did not leave Pixar due to any unwanted advances from Lasseter but because she couldn’t work in a place where women and people of color were not valued.

Here is her statement.

John Lasseter served as creative chief of Animation and head of the Imagineering department of Parks and Resorts division Of Walt Disney Imagineering Walt Disney Co. since February 2006, according to Bloomberg. Lasseter started his career in animation with The Walt Disney Company from where he was fired for promoting computer animation. As a result, Lasseter joined Lucas Film where he worked toward ten groundbreaking uses of computer-generated imagery (CGI) animation.

The Graphics Group of the Computer Division of Lucasfilm was sold to Steve Jobs in 1986, after which it became Pixar. Lasseter has served as an executive producer for all of Pixar’s films and its associated projects including “Toy Story”, “Toy Story 2”, “Cars” and “Cars 2.”

Pixar's parent company, Disney, after Lasseter's announcement, also released a statement confirming his leave of absence and supported him completely.