John Lasseter said he is taking a leave of absence from Pixar after several “painful” conversations and “missteps,” according to a note to staff obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

The Disney executive, who co-founded Pixar and is its current chief creative officer, said on Tuesday after several talks, he realized he made several employees “feel disrespected or uncomfortable.” Lasseter will take a six-month sabbatical, and said he hopes he can use it to “start taking better care of myself, to recharge and be inspired, and ultimately return with the insight and perspective I need to be the leader you deserve.”

“Collectively, you mean the world to me, and I deeply apologize if I have let you down,” he wrote. “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. No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.”

Disney said in a statement it appreciated Lasseter’s apology and candor and supported his leave of absence, according to Reuters. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.

The earliest iteration of Pixar started out as division of Lucasfilm, which was then sold to Steve Jobs in 1986. It was then re-titled Pixar Animation Studios. Disney purchased Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion.

Pixar’s latest movie “Coco” is slated to be released on Thanksgiving.

Source: Tech CNBC
Disney executive and Pixar co-founder John Lasseter takes leave of absence: Report