John Lasseter: Former Pixar chief hired by Skydance Animation despite sexual misconduct claims, sparking backlash

Following a six-month leave of absence, after Lasseter publicly stated he made 'missteps' in November 2017, the animation head officially parted ways with Disney last year

John Lasseter will oversee Skydance Animation, a year after his departure from Disney amid accusations of sexual misconduct (AFP/Getty Images)

John Lasseter, Pixar’s former Chief Creative Officer, has been hired to oversee Skydance Animation, despite being ousted from his previous position due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

Skydance CEO David Ellison made the announcement in a memo, published by Deadline, calling Lasseter a “singular creative and executive talent whose impact on the animation industry cannot be overstated”.

He added: “And yet we did not enter into this decision lightly. John has acknowledged and apologised for his mistakes and, during the past year away from the workplace, has endeavored to address and reform them.”

Following a six-month leave of absence, after Lasseter publicly stated he made “missteps” in November 2017, the animation head officially parted ways with Disney last year. The accusations from female colleagues had spoken of unwanted physical contact, including unsolicited kisses and groping.

In Ellison’s memo, Lasseter addressed the accusations, stating: “I have spent the last year away from the industry in deep reflection, learning how my actions unintentionally made colleagues uncomfortable, which I deeply regret and apologise for. It has been humbling, but I believe it will make me a better leader.”

In a statement, Time’s Up said the decision “endorses and perpetuates a broken system that allows powerful men to act without consequence.” It adds: “At a moment when we should be uplifting the many talented voices who are consistently underrepresented, Skydance Media is providing another position of power, prominence and privilege to a man who has repeatedly been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace.”

Lasseter directed many of Pixar’s biggest hits, namely Toy Story (1995), A Bug’s Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Cars (2006) and Cars 2 (2011). He executive produced all of Pixar’s films since Monsters, Inc (2001) and all of Walt Disney Animations’s films since 2006, including Frozen.

Skydance Animation, founded in 2017, is a strand of Skydance Media, which has released films such as World War Z and Star Trek Beyond. The company was founded by Ellison and is affiliated with Paramount Pictures.

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more