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. 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. 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. 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.”

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. 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. 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 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.