John Lasseter is to leave Disney after “missteps” in his behaviour with staff members, the studio has confirmed.

The co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and Disney’s current animation chief has been demoted to consultant but will step down fully at the end of the year.

This news comes after a six-month “sabbatical” which the 61-year-old undertook following claims that accused the figure of inappropriate workplace conduct in the wake of #MeToo. He issued an apology ”to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug” or for any act that made colleagues feel “disrespected or uncomfortable”.