Sacha Baron Cohen Addresses Boycott Calls Over New Ali G Film
Sacha Baron Cohen addresses calls to boycott his new film Ali G: Who Iz I?, speaking out against online misinformation and coordinated efforts targeting prominent Jewish figures following his past support for Israel.
Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has broken his silence on calls to boycott his upcoming comedy film, Ali G: Who Iz I?, addressing how online backlash and false narratives have targeted him following his past support for Israel. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the British comedian addressed the orchestrated campaign against his nostalgic character's return. I never said anything about Israel, and the internet often paints people as something they are not, which is deeply problematic, Baron Cohen stated, emphasizing that society is struggling to distinguish between facts and lies.
Reflecting on the organized pushback, which reportedly involved a British group called NewsCord mobilizing thousands of emails to global cinemas demanding the film be dropped, the actor noted that prominent Jewish figures have increasingly become targets. I am not surprised that prominent Jews are being targeted; I knew it would happen, he said, pointing to a broader trend aimed at silencing voices through mischaracterization and coordinated online harassment.
Produced by Amazon and MGM, Ali G: Who Iz I? marks the revival of the iconic satirical character 24 years after its debut. The mockumentary follows the clueless interviewer attempting a major comeback and is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23 before heading to Amazon Prime Video.
