Although the #MeToo movement helped unmask several powerful men accused of sexual harassment and assault, many of these abusers have faced only slight repercussions. However, advocates for survivors have continued to speak out. Most recently, Emma Thompson quit a movie after the studio hired a man who has admitted to past sexual misconduct.
Variety reports that Thompson was set to voice a character in the upcoming animated movie Luck from Skydance Animation. However, the actress withdrew from the role in January after former Pixar CEO John Lasseter was hired as the new head of the animation studio—despite his admitted sexual misconduct. Thompson had reportedly already begun recording her part when she opted out. Variety notes that Skydance has not announced the rest of the Luck cast—or who might replace Thompson.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lasseter took a leave of absence from Pixar in November 2017, admitting in a memo to staff that he had made unspecified “missteps.” The same day, a separate report from THR cited anonymous sources who alleged that the Pixar co-founder was known for “grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes.” Lasseter left Pixar and Disney for good in June 2018, as The New York Times reported.
Reuters notes that Skydance CEO David Ellison defended hiring Lasseter in January, telling employees that the studio had hired independent counsel to investigate the misconduct claims. But the decision remained controversial, and according to Variety, at a January Skydance Animation town hall, several female employees questioned him about how he would behave in the new role.
As the reckoning over #MeToo continues, it’s crucial for those with power and leverage to use their platforms to speak out. Not everyone is in the position (financially or otherwise) to do what Thompson did—which is why we need more people like her to step up. We applaud her decision, and we hope other stars are taking note.
