Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault
Disney faced a lawsuit from former child star Raquel Lee Bolleau over disturbing allegations from a 2001 film set. The actress claimed a former employee repeatedly sexually assaulted her when she was only 14.
Raquel Lee Bolleau alleged that Disney ignored warning signs and failed to protect her. She also claimed the studio blamed her when her behavior and performance dramatically changed.
Raquel Lee Bolleau is suing Disney over alleged sexual assaults
According to PEOPLE, Bolleau, 39, filed her lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Aug. 21. The civil negligence suit centered on her time filming the Disney Channel movie The Poof Point.
Bolleau alleged that an unnamed middle-aged Disney employee repeatedly sexually assaulted her during production. She claimed he supplied her with alcohol while the cast and crew stayed in Salt Lake City.
The alleged assaults also continued during a flight back to California, according to the complaint. Bolleau further claimed Disney employees instructed her to “bond” with the unnamed man.
She alleged that production workers separated her from her guardian without providing proper supervision. Bolleau also claimed the employee tormented her openly while they worked together.
According to the lawsuit, he allegedly whispered, “last night was so good” near other adults. Bolleau claimed that “no one at Disney intervened.”
The former child actor said adults noticed troubling changes after the alleged abuse began. She allegedly appeared sick and intoxicated and struggled with her work.
The complaint described those changes as “a stark difference” from the dedicated actress who joined production. Bolleau claimed Disney failed to investigate what caused her sudden deterioration.
Instead, she alleged that executives called her “out of control” and blamed her performance issues. She also claimed the company canceled another planned role.
Bolleau sought damages for alleged economic losses and emotional distress. She also requested punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and other legal costs.
Her attorneys, Douglas Wigdor and Jane Kim, condemned the alleged circumstances in a statement. “This conduct is inexcusable, and those involved — directly or indirectly — must be held accountable,” they said.
Disney did not immediately respond to the outlet’s request for comment. Bolleau later voiced characters on The Proud Family and its Disney+ revival.
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If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
