There were numerous reports and hearsay about Pixar's John Lasseter and the harassment female employees suffered during his tenure but no one has ever come forward publicly- until now. Cassandra Smolcic, who worked at Pixar for 5 years and is credited for work on films such as Toy Story 3, Cars 2 and Brave has penned a 12,500-word essay revealing just what Pixar's culture was like.
Lasseter was essentially forced out last month after numerous female employees came forward with sexual harassment complaints. However, Smolcic posts states that the misogynistic culture extended well beyond Lasseter.
Smolcic wrote, "Over the next five years, I white-knuckled my way through many unwelcome, objectifying interactions with [her department head], with Lasseter, and with other men; was physically groped by another male coworker; and was sidelined from projects by the unofficial boys’ club casting system."
She also added that she was routinely kept off certain projects by her superiors because they knew about Lasseter's behavior issues with young women and didn't want a headache. Rather than confront Lasseter, they sidelined any young women that Lasseter might find attractive. This was but one of many tactics and practices put in place to protect Lasseter.
In the wake of her post, it will be interesting to see whether any additional Pixar employees are let go. The public disclosing of the frat-like culture at Pixar is causing many to take a second look at director Brenda Chapman's firing from Brave back in 2010.
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