Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Sacha Baron Cohen

Public opinion and media debates around Sacha Baron Cohen—discover key moments of controversy.

Sacha Noam Baron Cohen is an English actor, comedian, and performance artist celebrated for creating and portraying satirical characters such as Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, Brüno Gehard, and Admiral General Aladeen. He has received numerous awards, including two BAFTA TV Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a SAG Award. Additionally, he's been nominated for three Academy Awards and six Primetime Emmy Awards, recognizing his contributions to film and television.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2000: Controversy with Neil Hamilton

In 2000, as Ali G, Sacha Baron Cohen allegedly offered cannabis to politician Neil Hamilton, who accepted and smoked it, causing minor controversy.

2005: Kazakhstan Government's Reaction to Borat

In 2005, the government of Kazakhstan threatened Sacha Baron Cohen with legal action following the MTV Europe Music Awards and removed the Borat website for alleged violation of the law. However, the Kazakh government later altered their stance, recognizing the press coverage generated by the controversy.

December 2006: Lawsuit Over Borat Film

In December 2006, two University of South Carolina students sued the filmmakers of Borat, alleging they were duped into signing release forms. A Los Angeles judge denied their restraining order.

2006: MTV Movie Awards Appearance

At the 2006 MTV Movie Awards, Borat introduced Gnarls Barkley's performance of "Crazy" and made a comment about Jessica Simpson.

2006: Borat UK Premiere

At the 2006 UK premiere of Borat at Leicester Square, Sacha Baron Cohen arrived in a cart pulled by a mule and made controversial announcements.

February 2007: Dismissal of Borat Lawsuit

In February 2007, the lawsuit filed by the University of South Carolina students against the filmmakers of Borat was dismissed.

September 2008: Brüno Fashion Show Stunt

On 26 September 2008, Sacha Baron Cohen, as Brüno, disrupted the Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada fashion show in Milan by walking onto the runway in a velcro suit.

May 2009: MTV Movie Awards Stunt

In May 2009, Sacha Baron Cohen, as Brüno, performed a staged aerial stunt at the MTV Movie Awards involving Eminem.

May 2009: Lawsuit over Brüno Bingo Incident

On 22 May 2009, a charity worker sued Sacha Baron Cohen over an incident shot for Brüno at a charity bingo tournament, claiming it left her disabled. She later retracted her statement.

July 2009: Baron Cohen's appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman

On July 7, 2009, Sacha Baron Cohen appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, where he made comments that led to Ayman Abu Aita including David Letterman in a defamation lawsuit. Cohen claimed Abu Aita was a "terrorist".

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November 2009: Dismissal of Brüno Lawsuit

In late November 2009, the lawsuit filed by a charity worker over the Brüno bingo incident was dismissed on Anti-SLAPP grounds.

April 2010: Ayman Abu Aita files lawsuit against Baron Cohen

In April 2010, Ayman Abu Aita, a Palestinian Christian grocer, filed a lawsuit against Sacha Baron Cohen for defamation. The lawsuit stemmed from Abu Aita's portrayal in the film "Brüno" as a member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a claim Abu Aita denied, stating he was a non-violent activist.

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September 2011: Appeal Upheld in Brüno Lawsuit Dismissal

On 12 September 2011, the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by a charity worker over the Brüno bingo incident was appealed and upheld.

February 2012: Academy Awards Controversy

In February 2012, Sacha Baron Cohen, in character as Admiral General Aladeen, claimed he was banned from the 84th Academy Awards, a claim the Academy denied while stating he wasn't welcome to use the red carpet for a promotional stunt. He eventually appeared with uniformed bodyguards and an urn purportedly containing Kim Jong-il's ashes.

September 2012: Defamation claim settled out of court

In September 2012, the defamation claim filed by Ayman Abu Aita against Sacha Baron Cohen was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. The initial lawsuit was filed in April 2010 following the release of the movie "Brüno".

May 2018: Jason Spencer's Primary Loss

In May 2018, Jason Spencer, a Republican state representative from Georgia, lost his primary election to Steven Sainz after an episode of Who is America? aired showing Spencer engaging in controversial behavior.

July 2018: Jason Spencer Resigns

In July 2018, Jason Spencer resigned from his position as a state representative after controversy surrounding his appearance on Sacha Baron Cohen's show.

2018: Roy Moore sues Baron Cohen

In 2018, Roy Moore, a former Senate candidate of Alabama, sued Sacha Baron Cohen for $95 million. The lawsuit was related to a mock interview in "Who is America?" and allegations of paedophilia.

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2019: Anti-Defamation League Award

In 2019, Sacha Baron Cohen received the Anti-Defamation League's International Leadership Award and gave a speech criticizing internet companies for their handling of hate speech.

June 2020: Baron Cohen crashes right-wing protest

In June 2020, Sacha Baron Cohen, disguised in heavy make-up, crashed the right-wing "March for Our Rights 3" protest in Olympia, Washington, singing a song attacking liberals and various public figures. The crowd realized it was a prank, and Cohen had to flee in a private ambulance. The incident was part of filming for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.

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July 2021: Lawsuit dismissed

On July 13, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen. The dismissal was based on a consent agreement Moore had signed barring his claims, although Moore filed notice of his intent to appeal the decision.

July 2022: Baron Cohen defeats the lawsuit

On July 8, 2022, Sacha Baron Cohen defeated the lawsuit filed against him by Roy Moore, which originated in 2018 following Cohen's mock interview with Moore in "Who Is America?".

October 2023: Call Out of WGA Leaders

In October 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen was among the members of the Writers Guild of America that called out its guild leaders for not speaking in support of Israel during the Gaza war.

November 2023: Challenge to TikTok Executives

In November 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen was among creators and celebrities who challenged TikTok executives on content moderation and safety of Jewish users during the Gaza war.