John Lasseter, the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation chief creative officer who has been on a leave of absence amid sexual harassment allegations, will leave the company at the end of the year and become a consultant, Disney announced Friday.
“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 Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Co. “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.”
Lasseter has been on a leave of absence since November, when allegations of sexual harassment against him arose. At the time, he issued an apologetic statement, conceding that he often hugs people but never intended such greetings to be misinterpreted.
In a statement released through Disney Friday, Lasseter said his time away from the company has “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 said. “I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animations studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”
Lasseter has been widely credited with rejuvenating Disney’s animation studio through projects including the smash hit “Frozen,” the “Toy Story” and “Cars” franchises and “Coco.”