After accusations of repeated misconduct last fall and an admission of “missteps” that led to a six-month leave of absence, John Lasseter will now exit Pixar and the Walt Disney Co. at the end of the year.

With a glowing quote from Disney CEO Bob Iger, the company today went for the old politician’s trick of dumping bad news on a Friday afternoon, announcing that its animation overlord will be taking a consultant position with the company until the end of 2018. So he’s exiled, but not entirely banished.

Here’s Disney full statement:

Following his sabbatical, John Lasseter will assume a consulting role at The Walt Disney Company until December 31, 2018, at which time he will be leaving the company. “John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company/ “We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios. One of John’s greatest achievements is assembling a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come.” “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” said John Lasseter. “While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”

Although more than a little responsible for the $6 billion Pixar has made at the U.S. box office during his successful run as Disney’s animation chief creative officer, Lasseter was moved into the shadows in November amid reports of inappropriate conduct, revelations that came as issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault hit Hollywood in the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein exposés by the New York Times and New Yorker.

The usually chummy and Hawaiian-shirt wearing Lasseter admitted late last year to giving “unwanted hugs” and behavior that others “felt crossed the line.” Interviews revealed uninvited kisses and touching and amorous displays at studio parties where alcohol was served.

Needless to say, it’s not the image Iger or Disney execs wanted, even if it was from one of their biggest moneymakers and top managers. Now having it both ways, Disney can say that they didn’t want him back as that six-month sabbatical concluded, but still get the benefit of his wide-ranging talents for another six months in a lesser but still Lasseter-level capacity.

Today’s news comes 11 days after Disney and ABC canceled the network’s hit series Roseanne following backlash from racist tweets delivered by the show’s star Roseanne Barr. Iger said of the decision that “There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.”

Disney did not indicate any succession plan in today’s statement.</s>(Reuters) - Walt Disney Co animation head and co-founder of Pixar John Lasseter, regarded as a modern day Walt Disney because of his creativity and commercial success, will leave at the end of the year, the company said on Friday.

Lasseter was the creative force behind movie hits like "Toy Story," "Frozen," and "Finding Nemo," that won Academy Awards and reaped billions at the box office.

Friday's decision, announced in a Disney statement, followed a six month leave of absence by Lasseter after what he called "missteps," including unwanted hugs that made employees uncomfortable.

"Following his sabbatical, John Lasseter will assume a consulting role at The Walt Disney Company until December 31, 2018, at which time he will be leaving the company," Disney said.

Lasseter said in the statement that "the last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities."

"While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges," he added.

Lasseter joined the company in 2006 when Disney bought Pixar Animation Studios.

A pioneer in computer animation, Lasseter was the driving creative force behind Disney's success in animated films over the past decade. He is chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Disney animation and Pixar films have sold roughly $14 billion worth of tickets worldwide since Lasseter joined Disney, according to a Reuters analysis of data from the Box Office Mojo website.

Lasseter took his leave after a report in the Hollywood Reporter last November that said some women at Disney had been made uncomfortable by physical contact from him.

He apologised in November in a memo to employees who felt "disrespected or uncomfortable," but said his intent was "benign."

Multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against entertainers, businessmen and politicians in the past year have led to many being fired or to resignations. The scandal inspired a widespread #MeToo social media movement by victims of sexual harassment or abuse.

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.</s>(Reuters) - Walt Disney Co animation head and co-founder of Pixar John Lasseter, regarded as a modern day Walt Disney because of his creativity and commercial success, will leave at the end of the year, the company said on Friday.

Lasseter was the creative force behind movie hits like "Toy Story," "Frozen," and "Finding Nemo," that won Academy Awards and reaped billions of dollars at the box office.

Friday's decision, announced in a Disney statement, followed a six month leave of absence by Lasseter after what he called "missteps," including unwanted hugs that made employees uncomfortable.

"Following his sabbatical, John Lasseter will assume a consulting role at The Walt Disney Company until December 31, 2018, at which time he will be leaving the company," Disney said.

Disney did not announce a replacement but Chief Executive Bob Iger noted in the statement that Lasseter had assembled "a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come."

Lasseter, 61, said in the statement that "the last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities."

"While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges," he added.

Lasseter joined the company in 2006 when Disney bought Pixar Animation Studios.

A pioneer in computer animation, Lasseter was the driving creative force behind Disney's success in animated films over the past decade. He is chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Disney animation and Pixar films have sold roughly $14 billion worth of tickets worldwide since Lasseter joined Disney, according to a Reuters analysis of data from the Box Office Mojo website.

Lasseter took his leave after a report in the Hollywood Reporter last November that said some women at Disney had been made uncomfortable by physical contact from him.

He apologised in November in a memo to employees who felt "disrespected or uncomfortable," but said his intent was "benign."

Multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against entertainers, businessmen and politicians in the past year have led to many being fired or to resignations. The scandal inspired a widespread #MeToo social media movement by victims of sexual harassment or abuse.

Lasseter was absent earlier this week from the world premiere in Hollywood for Pixar's next release, "The Incredibles 2" on June 15.

Online ticket seller Fandango said this week that the movie is on pace to become its biggest animated pre-seller ever.

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.</s>John Lasseter is out, and this time for good. Last November, the award-winning Disney animator, Pixar co-founder, director and executive producer took a six-month leave of absence amid sexual harrassment allegations, and now he's officially leaving the company at the end of the year.

Lasseter is staying on as a consultant through Dec. 31, and it sounds like he might have other plans after that: "I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges," he said in a statement.

It's worth noting that "taking a leave of absence," "staying on as a consultant" and "focusing on new creative challenges" are all time-honored euphemisms used when an company executive gets canned.

However, it sounds like Disney is positioning this as an amicable arrangement, as you'll see in the full statement below.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, where claims of sexual assault and misconduct are being taken more seriously than ever, it'd be more surprising if Lasseter returned to Disney than if he left, following his six-month leave of absence.

Here are the full statements from Disney and Lasseter:

Following his sabbatical, John Lasseter will assume a consulting role at The Walt Disney Company until December 31, 2018, at which time he will be leaving the company. "John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever," said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. "We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios. One of John's greatest achievements is assembling a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come." "The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities," said John Lasseter. "While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I'm grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney."</s>John Lasseter, the Walt Disney company’s animation chief, will step down from his role at the end of the year after acknowledging “missteps” in his behaviour with staff members.

John Lasseter, the Walt Disney company’s animation chief, will step down from his role at the end of the year after acknowledging “missteps” in his behaviour with staff members.

Disney announced on Friday that Mr Lasseter — one of the most illustrious and powerful figures in animation — will stay on through the end of 2018 as a consultant.

After that the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios will depart Disney permanently. Mr Lasseter took a sabbatical in November and apologised “to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug” or any other gesture that made them feel “disrespected or uncomfortable.”

At the time, Mr Lasseter signalled that he hoped to then return to Disney but many in Hollywood were sceptical that was possible. “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” Mr Lasseter said in a statement.



“While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges.” The 61-year-old is the highest-ranking Hollywood executive to be toppled in the wake of the #MeToo movement that followed Harvey Weinstein’s downfall in October.

A pioneer in digital animation, Mr Lasseter has been a creative force behind every Pixar release as well as Disney hits like Frozen, Moana and Zootopia. He directed Pixar’s breakthrough film Toy Story as well as it first sequel, Toy Story 2.

Under Mr Lasseter, the previously flagging animation studio was reborn through both Pixar and Disney releases that have amassed billions in box office and a string of Oscars.

Bob Iger, chief executive of Disney, praised Mr Lasseter for his vision and assembling storytellers and innovators “to set the standard in animation for generations to come”. He said: “John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever.

“We are profoundly grateful for his contribution, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios.” Pixar’s latest film, Incredibles 2, is due out next week. Mr Lasseter is an executive producer of the anticipated sequel, which is expected to be among the biggest box-office debuts for an animated release.</s>John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studio and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, will exit the company at year's end, the Walt Disney Corporation announced Friday.

Lasseter will complete a sabbatical he started in November following reports of inappropriate workplace behavior and take a consulting role at the Walt Disney Company until December 31.

After that, Lasseter "will be leaving the company," a memo from Walt Disney Corporation stated.

“The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” said John Lasseter, in the statement released by Disney. “While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges."

Robert Iger, Walt Disney Company's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement that Lasseter had a "remarkable tenure" at Pixar and Disney Animation.

Along with co-founding Pixar Animation, Lasseter directed films such as A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Cars (2006), and Cars 2 (2011).

Iger praised Lasseter for "reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions."

Lasseter's sabbatical followed following reports of inappropriate workplace behavior, including reports of overlong hugs in the office, .

At the time, Lasseter sent out a memo to staff referring to "missteps."

"It’s been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable. That was never my intent," Lasseter wrote. "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," he added. "No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected."</s>LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Lasseter, the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and the Walt Disney Co.’s animation chief, will step down at the end of the year after acknowledging “missteps” in his behavior with staff members.

Disney announced Friday that Lasseter — one of the most illustrious and powerful figures in animation — will stay on through the end of 2018 as a consultant. After that he will depart Disney permanently.

Lasseter in November took what he called a six-month “sabbatical.” He apologized “to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug” or any other gesture that made them feel “disrespected or uncomfortable.” At the time, Lasseter signaled that he hoped to then return to Disney. Many in Hollywood were skeptical that was possible.

“The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” Lasseter said in a statement. “While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges.”

The 61-year-old Lasseter, easily recognizable for his bright Hawaiian shirts, is the highest-ranking Hollywood executive to be toppled in the wake of the #MeToo movement. A pioneer in digital animation, he has been a creative force behind every Pixar release as well as Disney hits like “Frozen,” ”Moana” and “Zootopia.” Lasseter directed Pixar’s breakthrough feature “Toy Story” as well as it first sequel, “Toy Story 2”

After Disney acquired Pixar in 2006, Lasseter was named chief creative officer of Pixar as well as Disney Animation. Under Lasseter, the previously flagging animation studio was reborn through both Pixar and Disney releases that have amassed billions in box office and a string of Oscars.

Bob Iger, chief executive of Disney, praised Lasseter for his vision and assembling storytellers and innovators “to set the standard in animation for generations to come.”

“John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever. We are profoundly grateful for his contribution, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios.”

Pixar’s latest, “Incredibles 2,” is due out next week. Lasseter is an executive producer of the anticipated sequel, which is expected to be among the biggest box-office debuts for an animated release.

© Copyright 2018 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed</s>John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Animation, will leave those posts at the end of the year following acknowledgement last year some of his actions had left employees feeling “disrespected and uncomfortable.” He had taken a six month leave from the company last year.

The Walt Disney Company, according to multiple media reports, issued a statement about Lasseter, who lives in Sonoma and owns a winery, attributing it to Walt Disney Co. Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger: “John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios. One of John’s greatest achievements is assembling a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come.”

In his own statement reported in the media, Lasseter, 61, stated, “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities. While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”

Last November, Lasseter cancelled an appearance at the seventh Sonoma Speakers Series discussion.</s>John Lasseter, the architect of a creative turnaround at Disney as chief creative officer of its animation studios, will leave the company at the end of the year, the media company said Friday, several months after the longtime artistic leader of its Pixar division acknowledged “missteps” with fellow employees.

Lasseter, the creative force behind lauded movies like “Coco” and “Frozen,” has been on a sabbatical since November, when he sent a letter to employees apologizing “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.”

At the same time, the Hollywood Reporter wrote that several women said they had been subject to unwanted advances by Lasseter at meetings and work events.

Disney said Lasseter would assume a “consulting role” with the company until December 31, when his employment would end.

Pixar is releasing “The Incredibles 2” on Friday, June 15. Lasseter’s unsettled status threatened to cast a pall over its debut.

The news came as part of a wave of sexual harassment cases brought to light in the entertainment industry and among Hollywood’s elite. Other allegations have been lodged against film producer Harvey Weinstein, as well as Kevin Spacey, Louis C.K. and Charlie Rose.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Lasseter said the last six months have given him the opportunity to “reflect on my life, career and personal priorities.”

“While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges,” he said.

The Walt Disney Company praised Lasseter for his “remarkable tenure” at Pixar and Disney Animation. The company credited him with “reinventing the animation business.”

The statement did not mention Lasseter’s alleged inappropriate behavior toward employees.</s>Walt Disney Co animation head and co-founder of Pixar John Lasseter, regarded as a modern day Walt Disney because of his creativity and commercial success, will leave at the end of the year, the company says.

Lasseter was the creative force behind movie hits like "Toy Story," "Frozen," and "Finding Nemo," that won Academy Awards and reaped billions of dollars at the box office.

The decision, announced in a Disney statement on Friday, followed a six month leave of absence by Lasseter after what he called "missteps," including unwanted hugs that made employees uncomfortable.

"Following his sabbatical, John Lasseter will assume a consulting role at The Walt Disney Company until December 31, 2018, at which time he will be leaving the company," Disney said.

Disney did not announce a replacement but Chief Executive Bob Iger noted in the statement that Lasseter had assembled "a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come."

Lasseter, 61, said in the statement that "the last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities."

"While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges," he added.

Lasseter joined the company in 2006 when Disney bought Pixar Animation Studios.

A pioneer in computer animation, Lasseter was the driving creative force behind Disney's success in animated films over the past decade. He is chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Lasseter took his leave after a report in the Hollywood Reporter last November that said some women at Disney had been made uncomfortable by physical contact from him.

He apologised in November in a memo to employees who felt "disrespected or uncomfortable," but said his intent was "benign."
The Walt Disney Company announces that its animation chief, John Lasseter, will leave the company after December 31, after he was accused of misconduct late last year.