Director of Trump Movie The Apprentice Denies Being Dropped by Agencies After Allegedly Groping A-List Actor: ‘I Apologized’

Ali Abbasi, director of the recent Donald Trump movie The 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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On Friday, Feb. 21, Deadline reported that Abbasi parted ways with both the Creative Artist Agency (CAA) and Management 360 talent agency after the alleged groping incident. The outlet stated that sources said an inebriated Abbasi groped the actor, who was also represented by CAA.

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

“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. I believe in taking accountability for my actions; I made a mistake, I apologized and have learned a valuable life lesson. 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.”

Sources told Variety that the incident occurred at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, and Deadline reported that the director was solely represented by his U.K.-based reps at LARK as of Jan. 27.

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 to The Apprentice, which remains a project I’m incredibly proud of. I look forward to announcing my next steps at the appropriate time.” 

The Apprentice has earned praise this awards show season, garnering both Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for lead actor Sebastian Stan and supporting actor Jeremy Strong.

The film follows a young Trump (Stan) in the early years of his career as he is shaped by cutthroat lawyer and mentor Roy Cohn (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 to rainn.org.