The new Donald Trump biopic titled “The Apprentice” has sparked controversy and outrage at the Cannes Film Festival with a scene depicting a young Trump raping his then-wife Ivana. In the movie, Donald throws Ivana on the ground, penetrates her, and makes degrading comments about her. The scene drew gasps from the audience, with some viewers describing it as a depiction of rape or sexual assault. Ivana Trump had accused Donald of rape in a divorce deposition in 1990, though she later clarified that she felt “violated” but not raped in a literal or criminal sense.
In May, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse against writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of raping her in a New York City dressing room in 1996. Trump has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault, from at least 23 women. “The Apprentice” has been criticized for humanizing Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021 and faces multiple criminal charges. Director Ali Abbasi defended the film as an attempt to deconstruct mythological figures and humanize them, acknowledging that even despicable figures have moments of kindness or humanity.
Abbasi’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the film, and emails to writer Gabriel Sherman’s representatives were unanswered. Trump’s campaign has stated that he plans to sue the filmmakers over what they claim are false assertions in the biopic. The Cannes Film Festival’s jury president, Greta Gerwig, emphasized the importance of approaching every film with an open mind and heart, though she did not comment specifically on “The Apprentice.” For support and resources related to sexual assault, individuals can visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.
The controversial scene in “The Apprentice” has reignited discussions about Trump’s history of alleged sexual misconduct and assault. The depiction of a rape scene involving a real-life figure like Trump has generated strong reactions from critics and audience members. While some viewers view the scene as a depiction of rape or sexual assault, others may interpret it differently. The film’s portrayal of Trump as a complex and flawed character raises questions about the responsibility of filmmakers in depicting controversial or sensitive subjects.
The biopic’s exploration of Trump’s early career as a real estate businessman in the 1970s and ’80s raises further questions about the portrayal of known public figures in film. By delving into Trump’s past, the movie attempts to provide a nuanced look at a polarizing figure, prompting discussions about the complexities of human behavior and the impact of power dynamics on relationships. The decision to include a scene depicting rape in “The Apprentice” has underscored the importance of responsible storytelling and ethical considerations in portraying sensitive topics such as sexual assault in film.
