Writer Rashida Jones - best known as an actor from her work in Parks and Recreation - has stepped down from the project, but denied a report that said it was because Lasseter made an “unwanted advance” against her. Her writing partner, Will McCormack, has also quit the movie, while Lasseter himself has handed solo directing reigns to Josh Cooley. Jones and McCormack told the New York Times: “We did not leave Pixar because of unwanted advances. That is untrue. That said, we are happy to see people speaking out about behaviour that made them uncomfortable. “We parted ways because of creative and, more importantly, philosophical differences.”

GETTY • PIXAR John Lasseter, left, has been accused of misconduct

GETTY Both Will McCormack and Rashida Jones have stepped down

GETTY Lasseter will take a leave of absence from Pixar

They added: “There is so much talent at Pixar, and we remain enormous fans of their films. “However, it is also a culture where women and people of colour do not have an equal creative voice. “We encourage Pixar to be leaders in bolstering, hiring and promoting more diverse and female storytellers and leaders. We hope we can encourage all those who have felt like their voices could not be heard in the past to feel empowered.” Lasseter has acknowledged that “painful” conversations about his conduct have taken place behind the scenes, regarding his so-called “missteps”. "I have always wanted our animation studios to be places where creators can explore their vision with the support and collaboration of other gifted animators and storytellers," he said in a memo obtained by the Hollywood Reporter.

Disney: The voices behind your favourite characters Mon, March 13, 2017 What better way to celebrate 92 years of Disney than by taking a look at the voices behind those iconic characters? Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 25 Walt Disney provided Mickey Mouse's trademark falsetto voice for almost 20 years, before his hectic schedule - and reportedly his smoker's voice - meant he could no longer continue.

"This kind of creative culture takes constant vigilance to maintain. It's built on trust and respect, and it becomes fragile if any members of the team don't feel valued. “As a leader, it's my responsibility to ensure that doesn't happen; and I now believe I have been falling short in this regard." However an employee told the same publication: "To sum this up as unwanted hugs is belittling and demeaning. If it was just unwanted hugs, he wouldn't be stepping down." The news could be a big blow for Disney•Pixar, a studio which has taken great pride in its family-friendly content.

PIXAR Toy Story is one of Pixar's most treasured creations