‘The Apprentice’ Director Ali Abbasi Responds to Claims of Inappropriate Conduct

Following a report in Deadline that alleged possible inappropriate conduct made by “The Apprentice” director Ali Abbasi, many were quick to draw comparisons between the Iranian-born filmmaker and his film‘s subject, Donald Trump. However, in response to these allegations, Abbasi has done a decidedly un-Trump move by owning up to his mistakes.

“I want to address the recent articles about me directly and openly,” Abbasi said in a statement given to Deadline. “I fully understand that my action made someone uncomfortable, regardless of my intent, and for that I am truly sorry.”

In Deadline’s initial report, Abbasi was accused of being drunk at CAA’s Golden Globes after-party and groping one of the agency’s A-list clients. From Abbasi’s perspective, the entire incident with the unnamed actor was just an ill-conceived misunderstanding.

“I had spent time with the person concerned on multiple occasions and had reason to think we had a friendly relationship,” said Abbasi. “When I saw him at the Golden Globes party, I was excited to reconnect. 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.”

Deadline’s story was written using unnamed sources who claimed to be present when the “slap” transpired and were aware of what they viewed as the subsequent fallout. This involved Abbasi separating from CAA, as well as his management at Entertainment 360 and his legal representation at Granderson Des Rochers, a decision Abbasi asserts had nothing to do with what transpired at the after-party.

“The suggestion that I was dropped by my representation due to this interaction is false,” he said. “My decision to part ways was a long term career decision that was not shaped by short term motivations.”

He closed his statement by claiming ownership over his own transgressions and acknowledging the impact the situation has had on him. Moreover, he put the spotlight back on “The Apprentice” and everyone who made the controversial Trump origin story such a success.

“I believe in taking accountability for my actions; I made a mistake, I apologized, and have learned a valuable life lesson,” Abbasi told Deadline. “I remain grateful for the incredible work of our cast, crew, and supporters on ‘The Apprentice,’ and I hope the focus stays on their achievements.”

While Abbasi himself is not nominated at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards, the film’s leads, Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, are both nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. Thankfully for them, the recent events involving Abbasi will not have an effect on their chances as Oscar voting closed on Tuesday, February 18, a few days before Deadline’s story broke. Abbasi still retains U.K. representation through Lark Management.