Disney Deletes Casting Couch Joke from Toy Story 2 4K Release

Disney has quietly deleted a post-credits scene from its 1999 film Toy Story 2 that appeared to be joking about casting couch sex. The potential controversial topic came to light following the #MeToo movement’s influence in Hollywood and the sexual harassment allegations against the Toy Story 2 director John Lasseter.

Toy Story 2 Controversial Blooper Scene

The faux blooper-reel scene at the end of the animated film features Tom Hanks’ Woody interrupting a shady meeting between the collectible Prospector toy a.k.a Stinky Pete (voiced by Kelsey Grammer) and twin Barbie dolls inside a toy box.

“So you two are absolutely identical? You know, I’m sure I could get you a part in Toy Story 3,” Stinky Pete says while stroking one of the Barbies’ hands. Until he realizes he is on camera, in a panic he then says, “All right girls, lovely talking with you, yes, any time you’d like some tips on acting, I’d be glad to chat with you. All right, off you go, then.”

Pete, a villain in the film is seen flirting and suggestively talking to the dolls offering to help them score a part in Toy Story 3 in exchange for sexual favors. The term and Hollywood practice is known as “cast couching,” where film execs use their power to manipulate newbie actors and actresses. The now deleted film has been picked up on the edit by several internal forums and DVD websites such as Reddit, Re-Release News, and BlueRay.com

#MeToo Movement

The animated outtake mirrors real-life accusations that happen in the industry of powerful men demanding sexual favors in exchange for career boosts. After sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein and Les Moonves in 2017 made international, the #MeToo Movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault was sparked.

Disney is no stranger to self-censorship, but with this particular issue, it marks the first example of Disney censorship occurring in reference to the casting couch culture. Lasseter was accused of sexual misconduct last year and was forced to leave the company. Clearly, editing the lechery out of the film was Disney’s next logical step. “I especially want to apologize 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,” Lasseter said in a 2017 statement to The Guardian. “No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.”