The Apprentice director Ali Abbasi has admitted his “over-familiar gesture” was a “mistake” after he was accused of “groping” a famous actor.
The filmmaker, 44, was accused of “aggressively groping” an A-list star while “inebriated” at a Golden Globes afterparty thrown by their mutual talent firm, Creative Arts Agency, at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood last month.
The actor that he reportedly “groped” is also represented by CAA and Abbasi parted ways with CAA and Entertainment 360 last month, Deadline reported.
Abbasi has now responded to the allegations, revealing he “slapped” the actor “on the rear” and apologising for his actions.
“I fully understand that my action made someone uncomfortable, regardless of my intent, and for that I am truly sorry,” he said in a statement to People.
“I had spent time with the person concerned on multiple occasions and had reason to think we had a friendly relationship.”
Abbasi went on: “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 Iranian-Danish director denied reports that the incident led to him being dropped by talent agencies CAA and Entertainment 360.
“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.”
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Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice was released in October and follows the start of the President’s career in the 1970s, including his reality show of the same name.
Sebastian Stan (who played Trump) and Jeremy Strong (who played Trump’s mentor, the lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn) were nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes.
The stars have also earned Academy Award nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Abbasi, who has directed Holy Spider, Border, and several episodes of the first season of HBO series The Last Of Us, is up for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Director this weekend.
