‘The Apprentice' Director Ali Abbasi Apologizes Following Groping Allegation: 'I Am Truly Sorry'
The Apprentice director Ali Abbasi is addressing an alleged groping incident that reportedly happened at CAA's Golden Globes party earlier this year.
One day after the news broke, the filmmaker took to X (formerly Twitter) Saturday morning to apologize and explain his side. 'I want to address the recent articles about me directly and openly,' he wrote. 'I fully understand that my action made someone uncomfortable, regardless of my intent, and for that, I am truly sorry.'
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Abbasi continued, '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. 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.'
The Hollywood Reporter reported on Friday that the filmmaker was no longer represented by CAA and Entertainment 360 following the groping accusation. However, Abbasi previously cited a new direction in his career path for his exit.
'The suggestion that I was dropped by my representation due to this interaction is false,' Abbasi added in his statement on X. 'My decision to part ways was a long-term career decision that was not shaped by short motivations. I believe in taking accountability for my actions; I made a mistake, I apologized and have learned a valuable life lesson.
'I believe in taking accountability for my actions; I made a mistake, I apologized and have learned a valuable life lesson,' he concluded. '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.'
The Apprentice, starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump, earned two Oscar nominations.
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