Director of Trump MovieThe ApprenticeDenies Being Dropped by Agencies After Allegedly Groping A-List Actor: ‘I Apologized’

Mar. 15, 2025

Ali Abbasi on Jan. 4, 2025.Photo:JC Olivera/Variety via Getty

JC Olivera/Variety via Getty

Ali Abbasi, director of the recentDonald TrumpmovieThe Apprentice, is no longer with the agencies representing him in the U.S. after he allegedly groped an A-list actor, according to multiple reports. However, Abbasi claims that the separations and the alleged groping incident are unrelated.

In a statement to PEOPLE on Saturday, Feb. 22, Abbasi described the incident with the actor as “an over-familiar gesture — a slap on the rear” and said he “apologized to him on the spot.”

“I fully understand that my action made someone uncomfortable, regardless of my intent, and for that I am truly sorry,” Abbasi began his statement. “I had spent time with the person concerned on multiple occasions and had reason to think we had a friendly relationship.”

“When I saw him at the Golden Globes party, I was excited to reconnect,” he continued. “I made an over-familiar gesture — a slap on the rear — which I intended as playful and not in any sexual way whatsoever. I quickly realized I had misjudged the situation. I apologized to him on the spot, and the following day I made sure my apology was reiterated through my representatives.”

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In the Feb. 22 statement to PEOPLE, Abbasi denied that he parted ways from the agencies due to the alleged groping incident.

Ali Abbasi attends the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch at Hotel Casa del Mar on Jan. 4, 2025.Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

In a previous statement to Deadline regarding his recent change in representation, Abbasi said: “I can confirm that I’ve made the decision to move in a new direction with my career. I’m grateful for the work CAA and Entertainment 360 have done, particularly their commitment toThe Apprentice, which remains a project I’m incredibly proud of. I look forward to announcing my next steps at the appropriate time.”

The Apprenticehas earned praise this awards show season, garnering both Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for lead actorSebastian Stanand supporting actorJeremy Strong.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.

source: people.com