Reports from former Pixar employees indicate that Disney leadership directed significant changes to 'Inside Out 2', specifically instructing the team to make the protagonist, Riley Anderson, come across as 'less gay' in response to the backlash from the same-sex kiss in 'Lightyear'. Employees revealed that this mandate included efforts to portray Riley's relationship with new character Val as strictly platonic, even altering scene lighting to diminish any romantic undertones. The pressure on Pixar was heightened by a recent round of layoffs affecting 14% of their staff, leaving many without bonuses tied to the film's success. Insiders expressed frustration over the studio's decisions, suggesting that the blame for 'Lightyear's' financial underperformance was misplaced, as it failed for various reasons beyond the brief same-sex kiss. This atmosphere of fear and intense scrutiny reportedly contributed to an exhausting work culture, with many employees forced into overtime to meet production deadlines. The ongoing situation raises questions about Disney's commitment to authentic representation in animated films.