LOS ANGELES: Actor Raquel Lee Bolleau sued The Walt Disney Company, alleging it failed to protect her from repeated sexual abuse by an adult employee while filming “The Poof Point” at age 14.
The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. It accuses Disney of negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and failing to enforce safeguards intended to protect a minor performer.
Bolleau alleges Disney personnel encouraged her to spend time and “bond” with the unnamed employee during production of the 2001 Disney Channel Original Movie.
She says the employee supplied her with alcohol and sexually assaulted her during production and later on a flight to California.
The complaint also alleges production staff repeatedly separated Bolleau from her guardian. Her lawyers say adults on the set failed to investigate signs that she was distressed and instead blamed changes in her behaviour and work performance on the teenager.
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Bolleau is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, legal costs and other relief. Attorneys Doug Wigdor and Jane Kim said the entertainment industry must be held accountable when adults fail to protect child performers.
Disney representatives had not publicly responded to the allegations in the reports reviewed. The claims have not been adjudicated in court.
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Bolleau previously appeared on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show” and later voiced Nubia Gross in Disney’s “The Proud Family.”
