‘Coco’ Producer Ducks Question About John Lasseter

“We want to focus on being in solidarity with tonight’s movement,” says producer Darla K. Anderson

Coco Coco Darla K. Anderson, Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
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At a Golden Globe Awards gala focused on calling out sexual harassment, the filmmakers behind “Coco” weren’t eager to talk about the accusations against Pixar chief John Lasseter.
The producer, director and codirector of Best Animated Film “Coco,” from Disney’s Pixar, were asked backstage about their studio president John  Lasseter taking a self-imposed leave of absence in wake of misconduct.
Journalists in the press room asked about the progress of a pledge to improve Pixar as a workplace.
Producer Darla K. Anderson demurred.
“We want to focus on being in solidarity with tonight’s movement,” Anderson said, referring to the #TimesUp movement that saw the whole of the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom wear black in silent protest of Hollywood’s current toxic climate.
“We have been taking steps and will continue to make roads making it an even better place for people to create art,” director Lee Unkrich added.
Unkrich, alongside co-director Adrian Molina, then applauded the diverse voices the company has embraced.
Lasseter announced in November that he would take a six-month sabbatical from Disney and the Pixar studio he has led for decades following reports of sexual misconduct.
“It’s been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable. That was never my intent. Collectively, you mean the world to me, and I deeply apologize if I have let you down,” he said in a statement at the time. “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.”
Lasseter is best known as one of the founders of Pixar and directed films such as “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Cars” and “Cars 2.” He’s won two Academy Awards — one for Best Animated Short Film (“Tin Toy”) and one Special Achievement Award for “Toy Story.”
A spokesperson for Disney told TheWrap at the time, “We are committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are respected and empowered to do their best work. We appreciate John’s candor and sincere apology and fully support his sabbatical.”

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