John Lasseter Accused of Sexual Assault

[Sotiris]

That is interesting. When did Greno leave Disney? Was it around the time all this stuff started to erupt or no? If he left long before that, he might have had a hand in getting Lasseter hired at Skydance.

The cancellation of Gigantic was announced on October 10, 2017. Nathan Greno changed agencies on November 03, 2017. The expose about Lasseter was published on November 21, 2017. It was announced Greno had moved to Skydance on February 22, 2018. Lasseter's position at Skydance was announced on January 09, 2019. Make of that what you will.


The articles below mention that Paramount is not willing to end their partnership with Skydance and that Lasseter’s new contract comes with a seven-figure salary and bonuses.

John Lasseter Contract at Skydance Contains Ironclad Legal Protections
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/john ... 203104128/

Skydance Consulted Time’s Up Before John Lasseter Hire
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/john ... 203104966/

Paramount Pictures Grapples With John Lasseter Surprise, Slate’s Future
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/para ... 203105295/

Skydance's John Lasseter Hire Could Cause Problems for Paramount
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ ... nt-1175054

The Dilemmas Of John Lasseter’s Revival At Skydance Animation
https://deadline.com/2019/01/john-lasse ... 202532328/

[estefan]

Paramount won't end their partnership with Skydance, but they do have final say over what films they distribute for them. "Annihilation" was a Skydance production Paramount sold to Netflix overseas.

Apparently, the CEO of Skydance hired Lasseter without consulting and talking to Jim Gianopulos, the head of Paramount, first. I can't imagine that went over well, especially since this is such a controversial hire that reflects badly on Paramount.

[Warm Regards]

You know, a few months ago I was watching a John Oliver video about the Brett Kavanaugh investigation. Someone asked me, "Why is she [Dr. Blasey] testifying now if this happened so many years ago?"

It kinda ticked me off because I don't feel inclined in negating someone's traumatic experiences. That and there were a number of details to the situation that should have been public knowledge regardless of timing.

But thinking about it ... For better or worse, time dillutes the severity of actions and makes the general public think "Why now?" when it is eventually revealed. But in reality it always was an issue, but be it through cover ups or just ignoring the victim, it becomes later and later so the issue seems less and less harsh, even though it isn't.

So now here we are: Lasseter has a new 7 figure job and is able to work in the industry.

Hopefully enough people (enough of the right people, those in power) will keep Lasseter in check.

[Disney's Divinity]

Nathan Greno changed agencies on November 03, 2017. The expose about Lasseter was published on November 21, 2017.

Hmmm. Curiouser and curiouser.

Paramount is also a disgrace then, apparently.

[Sotiris]

The animators are pushing back!

Skydance Animators Grill CEO David Ellison on John Lasseter Hire
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/john ... 203104776/

John Lasseter's Return to Hollywood Divides Animators: "I Wouldn't Work at Skydance"
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ ... rs-1175137

John Lasseter Hire Prompts Tough Questions At Skydance Town Hall; David Ellison Asks Staff For Time & Patience
https://deadline.com/2019/01/john-lasse ... 202533025/

[DisneyJedi]

Lasseter is still allowed to work, despite allegations against him

You can’t be serious... fricking karma houdini...

[Disney's Divinity]

John Lasseter Hire Prompts Tough Questions At Skydance Town Hall; David Ellison Asks Staff For Time & Patience
https://deadline.com/2019/01/john-lasse ... 202533025/

Taken from the above:

we understand from sources that CEO David Ellison made it clear to staff that if there’s any missteps with the former executive, who was accused of sexual harassment, he’s out.

No word about anyone specifically up and leaving the company, but Ellison, we hear, asked employees for their time and patience and the chance for Lasseter to prove himself and show his reformed behavior.

Someone accused of sexual harassment and abuse of power doesn't deserve a second chance in another leadership role. Give him a job locked in an office with a male secretary where he interacts with nobody if you want to give the monster a job. F*** your "time and patience." What a p.o.s.

We hear that Ellison spoke candidly and emotionally about his deep concern for the employees and the future of the company, and underscored Skydance’s zero tolerance policy for harassment.

Assurances were given that there’s an open door policy and the dialogue will continue.

The bold is mine. Yeah, yeah, sure. Like he really gives a ----.

Someone should look into the skeletons in Ellison’s closet to see why exactly he would be okay with this kind of behavior.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Some have asked why Lasseter (who turns 62 about 12 hours from now by the way) need a job at all, considering he is a multimillionaire with his own vineyard.

Speaking as an armchair psychologist, I would say it is because he is worried about his legacy. When he finally retires from the animation industry he wants to be remembered as the guy who turned Skydance Animation into a big and important studio, not the guy who got fired from Disney because of sexual harassment of female employees (plus be probably enjoy both the status and to work with animated features too).

I'm just curious if we will see him again on the red carpet in the future at the premiere of his new studio's latest features, flashing his Hawaiian shirts with motifs and characters from Skydance Animation in front of reporters and cameras.

[Kyle]

A lot of people want something to do/make to give themselves purpose. Nothing wrong with that.

[JeanGreyForever]

A lot of people want something to do/make to give themselves purpose. Nothing wrong with that.

There is if that purpose enables sexual harassment.

[D82]

I'm surprised someone dared to offer him a similar job position so soon after the allegations. I thought he probably wouldn't work in Hollywood anymore.

[Sotiris]

Someone should look into the skeletons in Ellison’s closet to see why exactly he would be okay with this kind of behavior.

He's an overprivileged little sh*t. His dad is a billionaire who gave him money to play producer. You can even tell from his photos, for crying out loud. He looks like a douche-y frat boy from an Ivy League school. I wouldn't be surprised if he also had a past of sexual misbehavior. This type of men usually do.

[Sotiris]

This is hilarious!

https://twitter.com/MichaelToole/status ... 9285642241

[tweeb²]

Someone should look into the skeletons in Ellison’s closet to see why exactly he would be okay with this kind of behavior.

He's an overprivileged little shit. His dad is a billionaire who gave him money to play producer. You can even tell from his photos, for crying out loud. He looks like a douche-y frat boy from an Ivy League school. I wouldn't be surprising if he also had a past of sexual misbehavior. This type of men usually do.

I'm probably gonna get crap for saying this but...LOL he looks like a perfect casting choice for the nemesis of the typical university flick

WASP, extremely elite upper class, that smug look on his face...

[Kyle]

A lot of people want something to do/make to give themselves purpose. Nothing wrong with that.

There is if that purpose enables sexual harassment.

Well yes, that does complicate things. But on its own its understandable why someone would want to work despite being well off.


That guy without eyebrows is unsettling.

[Sotiris]

Alyssa Milano Calls for Accountability, Rehabilitation ‘Protocol’ Amid John Lasseter Backlash
https://www.thewrap.com/alyssa-milano-c ... -backlash/

[Avaitor]

Someone should look into the skeletons in Ellison’s closet to see why exactly he would be okay with this kind of behavior.

He's an overprivileged little shit. His dad is a billionaire who gave him money to play producer. You can even tell from his photos, for crying out loud. He looks like a douche-y frat boy from an Ivy League school. I wouldn't be surprising if he also had a past of sexual misbehavior. This type of men usually do.

He looks like a cross between Donald Trump's and Mitt Romney's ugly, frat boy-inducing sons.

[Sotiris]

Lasseter's feigning remorse to keep his job. Are people buying this?

John Lasseter Answers Blunt Questions From Employees at Skydance Animation Town Hall
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/john ... 203107626/

John Lasseter Expresses Deep Sorrow & Shame About Past Actions At Emotional Skydance Animation Town Hall
https://deadline.com/2019/01/john-lasse ... 202534949/

[JeanGreyForever]

Alyssa Milano Calls for Accountability, Rehabilitation ‘Protocol’ Amid John Lasseter Backlash
https://www.thewrap.com/alyssa-milano-c ... -backlash/

I'm so glad Alyssa Milano is keeping the press on him. I hope Lasseter is removed from this latest position as well from all the controversy.

[Sotiris]

But what about women at Skydance? They still have to work with him and Paramount is still distributing their films. This is not a solution.

Paramount Animation Chief Says Her Team Won't Be Working With John Lasseter at Skydance
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behin ... ce-1176111

Paramount Animation Chief Tells Staff They Do Not Have to Work With John Lasseter
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/para ... 203108134/