Director of ‘The Apprentice’ Denies Groping Claims Amid Agency Split

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It’s been reported that renowned director Ali Abbasi has parted ways with both the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Management 360. This split comes following claims that the filmmaker, who directed ‘The Apprentice‘, was accused of inappropriately touching a high-profile actor at a Golden Globes after-party last month. However, Abbasi maintains that this separation from the management companies has no connection to the groping incident.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Abbasi shared:

Contrary to speculation, I wasn’t fired by my team because of our interaction. Instead, my departure was a strategic career move that didn’t stem from immediate pressures. I own up to my mistakes; I made one, admitted it, and learned an important life lesson. I’m deeply appreciative of the outstanding work done by our cast, crew, and fans on ‘The Apprentice,’ and I hope the spotlight continues to shine on their remarkable accomplishments.

On January 5th, 2025, the Golden Globes ceremony took place, and the biographical drama “The Apprentice” by Abbasi – a story about controversial US President Donald Trump – received nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. These accolades were given to Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong respectively, in recognition of their portrayals of Trump and Roy Cohn.

Ali Abbasi’s ‘The Apprentice:’ From Cannes to Controversy

At an after-party hosted by CAA Management, an event I was also present at, an incident allegedly occurred involving me. In response to the incident, I, Abbasi, have shared my account of the situation, describing my actions as playful rather than of a sexual nature.

I recognize that my actions may have made someone feel uneasy, regardless of my intentions, and for that I genuinely apologize. Previously, I had spent time with this person on numerous occasions, believing we shared a friendly bond. At the Golden Globes party, I was eager to reconnect. Unfortunately, in an attempt to be playful, I gave him an inappropriate pat on the backside, which I assure you was not meant in any sexual manner. Upon recognizing my mistake, I apologized immediately and followed up with a formal apology through my representatives the next day.

Abbasi is a renowned director, particularly recognized for his projects such as “The Apprentice“, “Border“, and “Holy Spider“. Notably, the latter was chosen to represent Denmark in the category of Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. While “The Apprentice” faced difficulties in finding a U.S. distributor post its Cannes debut, it has still garnered significant recognition, including Oscar nominations for Strong and Stan.

The movie, subjected to examination by Trump, his team, and critics who perceived it as making him more relatable, delves into Trump’s real estate ventures during the 1970s and 1980s in New York City. It primarily focuses on Trump’s drive to distinguish himself from his father’s influence and his apprenticeship under Roy Cohn, a notorious attorney recognized for being deceitful and intimidating. Abbasi has openly stated that he aimed to portray how Trump’s early experiences influenced his character development.

It’s unclear what new ventures Abbasi might be working on, as he hasn’t disclosed any plans in public; time will tell how this recent event may impact his cinematic career. Currently, he is managed by LARK Management, a talent agency based in the UK.

PEOPLE

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2025-02-24 00:32