'The Apprentice' director Ali Abbasi dropped by CAA and Entertainment 360 amid groping allegation

The Oscar-nominated Donald Trump biopic's director leaves CAA and Entertainment 360 following a groping allegation.

Ali Abbasi, director of the Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated film The Apprentice, has parted ways with his U.S. representatives at CAA and Entertainment 360 following a groping allegation.

According to reports, the incident occurred at CAA’s Golden Globes afterparty, where sources claim an inebriated Abbasi groped an A-list actor represented by the agency. In the aftermath, CAA allegedly demanded an apology from the filmmaker, though some sources claim he was advised not to contact the actor directly.

While it remains unclear who severed ties first, Abbasi officially departed from CAA and Entertainment 360 on January 27. The director is now exclusively represented by LARK in the UK.

Additionally, Abbasi is no longer working with The Lede Company, which handled PR for The Apprentice, though reports suggest this was due to his contract expiring. He has also separated from law firm Granderson Des Rochers, though sources insist this is unrelated to recent events.

Abbasi has yet to directly address the groping allegation. However, in a statement regarding his departure from his agencies, he 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."

Abbasi's future in Hollywood remains uncertain as he faces scrutiny over these allegations.