Former Child Actress Raquel Lee Alleges Disney Negligent in On-Set Sexual Abuse

Former child actress Raquel Lee, now 39, has sued Disney, alleging that a studio employee repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her during production of the 2001 Disney Channel Original Movie The Poof Point. Lee, who was 14 years old at the time, claims a “middle-aged, male employee” involved in the film’s production groomed and assaulted her on multiple occasions, both in a Salt Lake City hotel room during filming and later on a flight back to Los Angeles. The suit also alleges that the unnamed perpetrator whispered sexually explicit comments in her ear on set and made inappropriate jokes in the presence of other minors.

According to the legal complaint, Disney kept Lee separated from her on-set guardian for most of each day, while the alleged misconduct occurred “in plain view of the cast and crew.” Yet, “no one at Disney intervened”.

In a statement to USA TODAY on Aug. 22, Lee’s representatives said “Over the last decade, countless child actors have come forward to bravely share their experiences of abuse by adults in entertainment. 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.”

USA TODAY

Following the alleged abuse, Lee’s performance noticeably declined. Instead of investigating, the complaint states that Disney executives attacked her “changed behavior and trauma response,” accusing her of being “out of control,” having “a demon inside her,” and of engaging in sex acts with a crew member at 14. The lawsuit further alleges that Disney threatened to cancel, and did cancel, her role in a forthcoming production.

Lee is represented by prominent sexual-misconduct lawyer Doug Wigdor. Disney has declined to comment on the pending litigation.

What stands out is not only the alleged abuse, but what Lee says happened afterwards. Her lawsuit claims that when her behaviour changed, Disney executives called her “out of control” and said she had a “demon inside her.”

Lee also alleges failures in supervision, child-labour protections and access to guardians. These claims have not been proven in court, but they raise serious questions about how child actors were protected.

Her case also adds to the wider conversation sparked by Quiet on Set about abuse, power and safeguarding in children’s entertainment. Disney’s family-friendly image makes those questions especially important.