Animator John Lasseter to leave Disney after misconduct allegations

Pixar co-founder John Lasseter is leaving Disney after taking a six-month sabbatical prompted by claims of misconduct from staffers.

Lasseter, the studio’s head of animation, said Friday that he plans to fully leave by the end of the year.

“I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges,” he said, according to the BBC.

He will remain in a “consulting role” until he leaves the company, Disney told the BBC.

Lasseter announced his six-month leave in November, when The Hollywood Reporter published an investigation revealing accusations from numerous Pixar employees saying Lasseter was known for “grabbing, kissing” and “making comments about physical attributes.”

{mosads}The two-time Academy Award winner and director of “Toy Story” issued an apology at the time, referring to his alleged behavior as “missteps” that made some people uncomfortable.

“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 said in an email to staff.

Lasseter’s leave came amid a wave of allegations against prominent men in the entertainment industry that marked the beginning of the #MeToo movement.

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer who was accused of sexual misconduct and assault by dozens of women, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and criminal sexual misconduct earlier this week.