Ali Abbasi Splits with CAA Following Groping Allegation Involving A-List Star
Acclaimed director Ali Abbasi, known for his work on The Apprentice,
has parted ways with talent agency CAA and management company Entertainment 360 following allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Reports indicate that the Iranian-Danish filmmaker was accused of groping a high-profile, CAA-represented actor at a Golden Globes afterparty in January.
Incident at Golden Globes Afterparty
According to Deadline, the alleged incident took place at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles during CAA’s exclusive post-Golden Globes gathering.
Witnesses claim that Abbasi, 44, appeared to be intoxicated when he allegedly made an unwarranted and aggressive physical advance toward an A-list actor.
The identity of the actor has not been publicly disclosed.
Following the alleged incident, sources indicate that Abbasi was explicitly advised not to contact the actor. While some reports suggest CAA had urged him to issue an apology, there is no confirmation on whether he complied.
Split from CAA and Entertainment 360
Amid the fallout, Abbasi and his talent representatives at CAA and Entertainment 360 parted ways on January 27. While it remains unclear whether he was dropped by the agencies or made the decision himself, Abbasi has since signed with LARK, a UK-based representation firm.
In a statement, Abbasi addressed his departure but did not directly comment on the allegations.
“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.”
Career Achievements and Controversies
Abbasi’s most recent project, The Apprentice, a biographical drama chronicling Donald Trump’s early real estate career, has garnered critical acclaim and two Oscar nominations. Sebastian Stan, who portrays Trump, has been nominated for Best Actor, while Jeremy Strong, who plays political operative Roy Cohn, earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The film, however, has not been without controversy. Trump’s legal team attempted to block its release, citing defamatory portrayals, including scenes depicting alleged misconduct. Trump himself took to Truth Social to denounce the film, calling it “FAKE” and “CLASSLESS.”
Aside from The Apprentice, Abbasi has made a name for himself with films like Holy Spider (2022), Border (2018), and Shelley (2016). He also directed the final two episodes of HBO’s The Last of Us, which received widespread praise.
Legal and Industry Implications
Though no formal charges have been filed, the allegations have placed Abbasi under intense scrutiny in the entertainment industry. With the ongoing push for accountability in Hollywood, industry insiders speculate on how this controversy might impact his future projects and collaborations.
Despite the scandal, Abbasi remains a contender at the upcoming Independent Spirit Awards, where he is nominated for Best Director. However, the fallout from the allegations could overshadow his career achievements in the coming months.
As Abbasi transitions to new representation, the entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether further repercussions follow.
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