Warning: The following article reveals significant plot details regarding the Donald Trump biopic “The Apprentice” (currently screening).

In the lead-up to a tense U.S. election, filmmaker Ali Abbasi is stirring controversy with his latest release.

“The Apprentice” presents a divisive biography of a young Donald Trump (played by Sebastian Stan), illustrating his journey from a New York real estate mogul to a powerful figure, guided by the controversial lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). The screenplay is crafted by political journalist Gabriel Sherman, who has reported extensively on Trump’s presidential run in 2016 and delved into his complex relationship with Cohn.

“Those familiar with Trump since the 1980s indicated that Donald adopted both the strategies and language that Cohn taught him,” Sherman explains. “This film reflects the idea that the spirit of Roy Cohn deeply influenced Donald Trump.”

In response, Trump’s campaign plans to file a lawsuit against the filmmakers, according to Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign, who told Variety and Deadline that the film constitutes “pure malicious defamation” and should not be publicly shown.

Here’s a breakdown of the truths and inaccuracies presented in the film:

Was there a ‘homoerotic’ connection between Donald Trump and Roy Cohn?

The film suggests that Trump and Cohn’s relationship started when they first met in 1973 at a private Manhattan club. Cohn agreed to represent Trump in a housing discrimination lawsuit, marking the beginning of a mentorship that deeply influenced Trump’s aggressive business tactics.

“Their interaction had a father-son like quality,” Sherman states. “At the same time, there was a distinct homoerotic undertone. Research showed that many of Roy’s partners were youthful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed men who resembled a young Trump. There seems to have been an attraction on Roy’s part toward Trump, contributing to the film’s depiction of their relationship as a sort of love story.” One scene depicts Trump’s impending marriage, which visibly pains Cohn.

Did Donald Trump feel envious of Ivana Trump’s achievements?

Trump met model Ivana Zelníčková in New York in 1976, marrying her the following year. The movie showcases her as a savvy media figure and the public face behind many of the Trump Organization’s key projects.

“They were certainly competitive and business partners,” Sherman observes. “Ivana managed Trump’s Atlantic City casino and was integral to the company’s operations. As her fame grew — highlighted by a cover feature in New York magazine — Trump reportedly felt threatened, leading to a sense of rivalry.”

Included in the film is a moment where Trump struggles to console their crying infant son, Don Jr., adding a humorous twist by claiming he’s “awful with babies.” This reflects an actual interview where Trump admitted he never changed a diaper and wasn’t involved in playtime with his young children, stating, “He didn’t really bond with them until they were older and joined his business.”

Did Ivana Trump accuse Donald Trump of assault during their marriage?

One of the film’s most disturbing moments shows Donald telling Ivana he has lost interest in her. Ivana responds by criticizing him for being overweight and losing hair. The situation escalates when Donald forces Ivana to the ground and assaults her while she begs him to stop.

This scene is based on testimony Ivana provided in a 1990 divorce deposition. As director Sherman notes, “The depiction in the film is not as graphic as what Ivana described in her divorce papers.” It’s important to note that Ivana later recanted her allegations in 2015 during Donald’s first presidential run and passed away in 2022 at the age of 73.

The scene has stirred up significant debate, with Trump retaliating by sending a cease-and-desist letter in an attempt to prevent the film’s release. Sherman, however, is adamant about keeping the scene in, citing the ex-president’s numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has always denied.

According to Sherman, “I couldn’t support a film that ignored Trump’s misogyny. This scene is a crucial, powerful representation of that theme. The act of assaulting someone you love is an incredible violation, illustrating just how low Donald Trump had fallen in the narrative.”

Did Donald Trump really express regret over his brother’s death?

The film portrays Trump experiencing deep sorrow after the unexpected loss of his older brother, Fred Jr., who faced rejection from their father and battled alcoholism, dying at the age of 42 from a heart attack in 1981. Sherman describes Trump’s subsequent bitterness as an artistic interpretation, although Trump himself has mentioned in interviews that he regrets not having supported his brother more.

“Fred’s death had a profound effect on him,” Sherman reflects. “It marked a turning point for Donald Trump, where he seemingly lost the remnants of his humanity. After that, he began to suppress many of his emotions.”

Did Donald Trump actually betray Roy Cohn?

Roy Cohn passed away in 1986 due to AIDS complications at the age of 59. Just before his death, Trump had invited Cohn to his residence in Palm Beach, Florida, for a farewell dinner, presenting him with fake diamond cufflinks.

“This part of the story is accurate,” Sherman states. “Although many scenes might seem outlandish, they are indeed grounded in actual events.”

In the film, Cohn conveys feelings of betrayal regarding his mentorship of Trump. “Wayne Barrett, a veteran investigative journalist, reported that Cohn felt deeply hurt by Trump’s distancing as he faced AIDS,” Sherman shares. “Cohn reportedly said, ‘I can’t believe he’s doing this to me. Donald pisses ice water.’ That chilling statement gave me the conclusion for my movie.”

The implication is stark: if someone as hardened as Roy Cohn can feel let down by Trump, what does that reveal about Trump’s character?”

Did Donald Trump really have liposuction and a hair transplant?

In her court testimony, Ivana claimed that Donald became furious over the pain caused by a scalp reduction he underwent in 1989, meant to address his balding. Dr. Steven Hoefflin was said to be responsible for this surgery, as well as for performing liposuction on Donald’s chin and waist.

In the final moments of “Apprentice,” viewers see the former president undergoing these procedures. Sherman describes it as a metaphorical representation of a “Frankenstein monster,” signifying a pivotal transformation. He further notes that this marks the first time that Sebastian truly embodies the modern-day Donald Trump in mannerisms and speech. The surgeries symbolize the physical evolution into the Trump we recognize today.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, support is available through RAINN via the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org).