Disney ignored on-set sexual assault, ex-child star alleges in lawsuit
What's the story
Former child star Raquel Lee Bolleau has filed a civil negligence lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, alleging that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a then-Disney employee while filming The Poof Point in 2001. In the complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, Bolleau claims the unnamed male employee supplied her with alcohol and assaulted her multiple times at age 14.
Allegations
Bolleau alleges the employee 'would torment' her on set
Bolleau, now 39, alleges that Disney did not take any action despite her being separated from her guardian and not getting proper supervision.
She claims the employee "would torment" her on set, whispering comments like "last night was so good" in front of other adults without any intervention from Disney staff.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 21.
Retaliation
Changes in her behavior and performance were noticed
The Amanda Show actor also claims that adults on set noticed a drastic change in her behavior and performance after the alleged abuse started.
She alleges this was "a stark difference from the dedicated, studious and diligent child actress who had joined the movie."
However, instead of investigating these changes, Bolleau claims Disney executives blamed her for her deteriorating performance and described her as "out of control." They even canceled another planned role.
Legal action
Seeking damages for economic losses and emotional distress
Bolleau is now seeking damages for alleged economic losses and emotional distress, as well as punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and other costs. However, the complaint does not specify a total amount of damages sought.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Bolleau's attorneys Douglas Wigdor and Jane Kim said: "Over the last decade, countless child actors have come forward to bravely share their experiences of abuse by adults in entertainment."
Career aftermath
Her career after 'The Poof Point'
After The Poof Point, Bolleau went on to have a recurring voiceover role in the Disney Channel animated series The Proud Family from 2001-2005. She reprised her role in the Disney+ reboot The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder from 2022-2025.
In their statement, Bolleau's attorneys added: "As former government prosecutors, our message to the entertainment industry is simple: This conduct is inexcusable, and those involved-directly or indirectly-must be held accountable."
Disney has not yet responded to the suit.