Washington, Feb. 23 -- 'The Apprentice' filmmaker Ali Abbasi is no longer a part of his US-based talent agencies following allegations that he groped an A-list actor, actor, reported PEOPLE. However, Abbasi has claimed that the split is unrelated to the alleged incident.

In a statement to PEOPLE on Saturday, Abbasi admitted to making "an over-familiar gesture" at a Golden Globes party, describing it as a "slap on the rear."

He also added that it was meant playfully and not in a sexual way, but acknowledged that it made the actor uncomfortable.

"I fully understand that my action made someone uncomfortable, regardless of my intent, and for that, I am truly sorry. I had spent time with the person concerned on multiple occasions and had re...