Los Angeles

JOHN Lasseter, creative head of Walt Disney Co's Pixar and animation studios, is taking a leave of absence after The Hollywood Reporter cited co-workers who accused him of unwanted touching and hugs.

Mr Lasseter, 60, said that he is taking a six-month sabbatical and apologised for "missteps" that made people feel uncomfortable. He directed early Pixar films such as Toy Story and is an executive producer on films that have been a cornerstone of the company's strategy, generating US$11.2 billion in global box office sales.