After Alex Garland's Civil War, another film in 2024 is poised to cause political ripples in the United States, especially with the upcoming presidential elections. Ali Abbasi's The Apprentice is based on the early life of former US President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump. The film portrays the controversial rise of the business tycoon. Sebastian Stan stars as the young Trump, with Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn. 'The Apprentice,' About a Young Donald Trump, Premieres in Cannes.

The Apprentice premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, receiving positive reviews. However, one scene shocked viewers: a depiction of domestic abuse and sexual assault involving Donald and Ivana Trump. This scene was inspired by allegations revealed during their 1989 divorce proceedings.

Reports indicate that the sequence shows an argument between Stan's Trump and Bakalova's Ivana, where Ivana insults Trump's appearance, calling his face "a f**king orange," and referring to him as bald and ugly. In response, Trump pushes her to the ground and sexually assaults her, asking, "Is that your G-spot? Did I find it?"

This scene reportedly repulsed some viewers, who found it gross and disturbing.

Watch the Apprentice Team Receive a Standing Ovation at Cannes 2024:

The Trump campaign was already angered by the film's existence, but this sexual assault scene, along with the portrayal of Trump, has intensified their ire. They insist the film will not be released in the USA if Trump wins the election. Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s chief spokesperson, told Variety that they plan to take legal action against the filmmakers. The Apprentice: Sebastian Stan’s Startling Transformation Into Donald Trump for the Film.

He said, "This garbage is pure fiction that sensationalises lies long debunked. As with the illegal Biden trials, this is election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House and beat their candidate of choice. This film is pure malicious defamation, should not see the light of day, and doesn’t even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store. It belongs in a dumpster fire." The Apprentice's release date has not been confirmed yet.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2024 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).