AceShowbiz - Ali Abbasi, the director of the controversial Donald Trump biopic "The Apprentice," has issued a statement apologizing for his actions following an alleged groping incident at a Golden Globes party.

In a statement released to media, Abbasi regretted making an "over-familiar gesture" towards an A-list actor. He described the gesture as a "slap on the rear" and claimed it was intended as playful and not sexual.

"I fully understand that my action made someone uncomfortable, regardless of my intent, and for that I am truly sorry," Abbasi said.

The incident, which reportedly occurred at CAA's Golden Globes afterparty in January, led to media reports that Abbasi had been dropped by his talent agencies, CAA and Management 360. However, Abbasi denied these claims.

"The suggestion that I was dropped by my representation due to this interaction is false," Abbasi stated. "My decision to part ways was a long-term career decision that was not shaped by short-term motivations."

Abbasi did not name the actor involved in the incident, but report suggested the individual was also represented by CAA.

The director admitted to feeling comfortable with the actor prior to the incident. "I had spent time with the person concerned on multiple occasions and had reason to think we had a friendly relationship," he said.

Abbasi's movie "The Apprentice," fronted by Sebastian Stan as a young Trump, has earned praise during awards season, garnering Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for the Marvel star and supporting actor Jeremy Strong.