In the haunting movie "The Apprentice," directed by Ali Abbasi, a deeply unsettling scene unfolds involving a character representing former President Donald Trump and his wife. The film, which explores Trump's rise in the 1970s and 1980s, showcases a volatile interaction between Trump (played by Sebastian Stan) and his then-wife Ivana (Maria Bakalova).

The controversial scene depicts Ivana playfully presenting a book about the merits of a female orgasm to Trump. However, what starts as a seemingly harmless exchange quickly turns dark when an uninterested Trump confesses that he is no longer attracted to his wife. The argument escalates, and Trump violently throws Ivana to the ground, proceeding to engage in nonconsensual sexual activity with her.

Upon the film's premiere, audience reactions within the Palais were highly critical of the scene. A woman in her 20s described it as "gross" and went as far as referring to it as "rape." Another female attendee echoed this sentiment, deeming it a disturbing depiction of sexual assault. Insiders had previously claimed that the scene was consensual but uncomfortable, though viewer reactions differed.

"The Apprentice" dares to portray the former president's journey from a real estate aspirant to a self-proclaimed "killer" and "winner." To avoid potential legal repercussions, the film opens with a disclaimer stating that it is based on true events but with altered character names. Aside from Trump, the film also focuses on characters like Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong, and Ivana (whose character is deceased).

This unexpected portrayal of a former president engaging in such a distressing act has caused significant controversy. Sources familiar with earlier versions of the script reveal that the scene was even more explicit, while others questioned its necessity to the storyline. It is worth noting that the film also includes controversial moments like Trump using amphetamines, undergoing liposuction, and getting surgery to address his bald spot. Additionally, the film portrays Trump's lack of loyalty towards his mentor, Cohn, who is depicted dying of AIDS.

Despite the contentious nature of the film, some insiders speculate that "The Apprentice" may offer a surprisingly humanizing portrayal of a man who remains sharply divided among the American public. There is no doubt that this depiction of a former president has sparked intense debate and raised questions about the boundaries of storytelling and political commentary in film.

Overall, "The Apprentice" has garnered attention not only for its unflattering sequences involving Trump's character but also for its exploration of a deeply complex and polarizing figure. As the film continues to provoke discussions and ignite debates, it remains to be seen how audiences will ultimately interpret this bold and controversial portrayal.