Disney Music Executive Has Been Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
LatestThis weekend spewed plenty more slime for the chumbucket (the Running List of Alleged Predators Facing Accusations and Consequences Post-Weinstein) (refresh later for updates), but particularly horrendous was Variety’s report that Disney music executive Jon Heely has been charged with three counts of child sexual abuse. On Friday, Heely was suspended from his position as director of music publishing without pay.
Variety reports that Heely has been accused of abusing one girl when she was 15 and another starting when she was 11 til the age of 15, which allegedly took place about a decade ago. According to inmate records, Heely was arrested on felony charges on November 16th, but a Disney spokesperson claims that the company did not learn of the charges until Friday evening.
Heely’s attorney says that he “vehemently denies” the allegations.
Heely, who has been with the company since 1981, worked more on the archival and film side of the business, executing productions such as “Fantasia: Live in Concert,” converting movie scores into sheet music, and licensing music to orchestras.
While several men are being investigated for sexual harassment and abuse, Heely is notable because he is one of the few people on the list who has actually been arrested. But booking records show that he’s been released on $150,000 bail.