Former Disney Channel star files lawsuit alleging sexual abuse at age 14

<p>Raquel Lee Bolleau, a former Disney Channel star, has made allegations of sexual abuse in a lawsuit regarding her time on set. Bolleau claims that an adult male employee sexually abused her when she was 14 years old, following encouragement from Disney personnel to 'bond' with him.</p><p>The alleged abuse reportedly began during the production of the 2001 Disney Channel movie 'The Poof Point,' after staff directed her to spend time with the adult employee. According to the complaint, the man provided Bolleau with alcohol and sexually assaulted her multiple times during filming.</p><p>Bolleau stated that after the incidents, the employee told her, 'You're old enough. You can handle it.' She described returning to the set smelling of alcohol and vomiting, but Disney personnel did not investigate how she obtained alcohol or seek medical assistance. Instead, she claims an executive labeled her 'out of control' and expressed that Disney was 'extremely upset.'</p><p>On another occasion, a Disney executive producer allegedly told Bolleau she 'need[ed] Jesus' and suggested to her mother that 'your daughter has a demon inside her,' according to the lawsuit.</p><p>Bolleau alleges that Disney repeatedly separated her from her guardian, despite California laws requiring a guardian to remain within 'sight or sound' of a child performer under 16. The complaint states that her guardian was not allowed to accompany her during filming or to wardrobe and makeup, which allegedly left her without adequate supervision and allowed her abuser unrestricted access.</p><p>Additionally, Bolleau claims the employee sexually harassed her in front of others on set, giving unsolicited hugs and making inappropriate comments that were audible to sound technicians, yet no one intervened.</p><p>Bolleau's lawyers stated, 'Instead of protecting and supporting its minor employee who was being repeatedly raped, sexually assaulted, sexually abused, and harassed, Disney covered up Mr. Doe’s abuse, and blamed Ms. Bolleau for the impact of Mr. Doe’s horrific misconduct.' They further asserted that Disney's actions reflect a broader pattern of systemic failures.</p><p>The lawsuit alleges that the abuse continued after filming, including an incident on a flight back to California where Bolleau claims the employee instructed her to sit next to him and cover themselves with a blanket before assaulting her.</p><p>Bolleau is suing The Walt Disney Company, claiming that it failed to protect her from sexual abuse as a minor actress, ignored warning signs, and violated child-actor protections. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal fees.</p><p>Bolleau's lawyers emphasized that many child actors have come forward in recent years to share their experiences of abuse in the entertainment industry, stating that such conduct is inexcusable and those involved must be held accountable.</p><p>Bolleau began her acting career as a child, with early appearances on 'Malcolm & Eddie' and 'The Amanda Show,' before her role in 'The Poof Point.' She later voiced a character on 'The Proud Family' from 2001 to 2005. The lawsuit claims that Disney threatened to cancel her role in a production following the alleged abuse.</p><p>Disney has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.</p>