Toy Story director John Lasseter is to take a period of leave from Disney after admitting "painful missteps" over his conduct.

In a memo left for colleagues at the studio, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker apologised for any actions that had made them feel uncomfortable, including unwanted hugs.

Lasseter, the chief creative officer at both Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, wrote: "I've recently had a number of difficult conversations that have been very painful for me. It's never easy to face your missteps, but it's the only way to learn from them.

"As a result, I've been giving a lot of thought to the leader I am today compared to the mentor, advocate and champion I want to be. It's been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable.

Image: Cars is among Lasseter's filmography

"I especially want to apologise 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 that it appreciated the 60-year-old's "candour and sincere apology" and supported his six-month leave of absence, during which he will "reflect on how to move forward".

The company added: "We are committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are respected and empowered to do their best work."

Image: Lasseter was the driving force behind Pixar's Toy Story series

Lasseter is widely acknowledged as one of the founding fathers of computer animated feature films, having made his directorial debut in 1995 with Pixar's Toy Story.

He followed that with A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2 and two entries in the successful Cars series, but has also served as an executive producer on a number of the studio's other biggest hits, including The Incredibles.

In 2006 - following Disney's purchase of Pixar - Lasseter was named chief creative officer of both studios and went on to oversee the likes of Frozen and Moana.

He is also credited as an executive producer on Pixar's next film, Coco, which is released in the US on Wednesday and the UK on 18 January.