A former Disney Channel actress, Raquel Lee Bolleau, has accused an adult male employee of sexual abuse during her time filming a Disney Channel movie. She filed a lawsuit claiming she was abused while working on ‘The Poof Point’ in 2001.
Allegations of Abuse
Bolleau alleges that the abuse began after being encouraged by Disney personnel to ‘bond’ with the employee. At 14, she claims the man supplied her with alcohol and abused her during the filming. The lawsuit states that following the assault, the employee told her, ‘You’re old enough. You can handle it.’
Response from Disney
Bolleau claims that after she returned to the set visibly affected by the alleged incident, Disney did not investigate how she acquired alcohol or offer medical assistance. Instead, she was labeled ‘out of control,’ and production reportedly suffered as a result. A Disney executive is said to have placed blame on Bolleau, claiming the film was ‘haywire.’
Separation and Supervision Issues
The lawsuit also addresses the alleged separation from her guardian, despite California protections requiring a guardian’s presence for performers under 16. Bolleau claims this allowed her alleged abuser unrestricted access to her.
Bolleau noted that her guardian was repeatedly instructed to leave the set and not accompany her to various parts of production.
Allegations of Public Harassment
In public settings on set, Bolleau claims the same employee harassed and touched her inappropriately. Despite these actions being overheard by sound technicians, no one intervened.
Continuation of Alleged Abuse
The alleged abuse continued after production. The lawsuit describes an incident on a flight back to California, where Bolleau claims her guardian was seated separately, and the employee assaulted her again.
Legal Action
Bolleau accuses Disney of negligence, failing to protect her, and violating child-actor protections. She seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Her legal team has spoken out, urging the entertainment industry to be accountable for such conduct.
Bolleau’s Career
Bolleau began her acting career with roles on shows like ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ and later, as a regular on ‘The Amanda Show.’ Her subsequent work included a voice role on ‘The Proud Family.’
Despite requests, Disney did not provide comments on the allegations.
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