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 comedian, actor, and performance artist recognized for his satirical characters like Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, Brüno Gehard, and Admiral General Aladeen. He has received numerous awards, including three Golden Globe Awards and two BAFTA TV Awards, along with nominations for Academy Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. His work often involves pushing boundaries and using humor to address social and political issues.
2000: Neil Hamilton Interview Incident
In 2000, as Ali G, Sacha Baron Cohen offered Neil Hamilton what was allegedly cannabis, which Hamilton accepted and smoked, creating controversy.
2005: Kazakhstan Government Threatens Legal Action
In 2005, the government of Kazakhstan threatened Sacha Baron Cohen with legal action following the MTV Europe Music Awards and removed the Borat website.
December 2006: Lawsuit over Borat Film
In December 2006, University of South Carolina students sued the filmmakers of 'Borat', alleging they were tricked into signing release forms. A judge denied a restraining order to remove them from the film on 11 December 2006.
2006: MTV Movie Awards Appearance
At the 2006 MTV Movie Awards, as Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen introduced Gnarls Barkley's performance and made a comment about Jessica Simpson.
2006: Borat UK Premiere Arrival
At the 2006 UK premiere of Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen arrived in Leicester Square in a cart pulled by a mule, making controversial announcements.
February 2007: Borat Lawsuit Dismissal
In February 2007, the lawsuit filed by University of South Carolina students against the filmmakers of 'Borat' was dismissed.
September 2008: Brüno Fashion Show Incident
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 costume.
May 2009: MTV Movie Awards Stunt as Brüno
In May 2009, Sacha Baron Cohen, as Brüno, performed an aerial stunt at the MTV Movie Awards, landing on Eminem, which was later revealed to be staged.
May 2009: Charity Worker Lawsuit
In May 2009, a charity worker sued Sacha Baron Cohen over an incident shot for 'Brüno' at a bingo game, alleging it left her disabled.
November 2009: Charity Worker Lawsuit Dismissed
In late November 2009, the charity worker's lawsuit against Sacha Baron Cohen was dismissed on Anti-SLAPP grounds.
April 2010: Defamation Lawsuit Filed
In April 2010, Ayman Abu Aita filed a lawsuit against Sacha Baron Cohen, alleging defamation due to portrayal in the movie Bruno.
September 2011: Dismissal Upheld on Appeal
On September 12, 2011, the dismissal of the charity worker's lawsuit against Sacha Baron Cohen was upheld on appeal.
February 2012: Academy Awards Controversy
In February 2012, Sacha Baron Cohen claimed he was banned from attending the 84th Academy Awards as Admiral General Aladeen, which was initially denied by the Academy.
May 2012: Howard Stern Show Appearance
In May 2012, Sacha Baron Cohen admitted on The Howard Stern Show that the "ashes" spilt on Ryan Seacrest at the Academy Awards were flour.
September 2012: Defamation Claim Settled
In September 2012, Sacha Baron Cohen's defamation claim was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
May 2018: Jason Spencer loses primary
In May 2018, Republican state representative Jason Spencer lost his primary to Steven Sainz after an episode where he was taught to detect terrorists by Sacha Baron Cohen's character.
July 2018: Jason Spencer resigns
In July 2018, Jason Spencer resigned from his position as a Republican state representative after a controversial episode with Sacha Baron Cohen. He stepped down on 31 July 2018, leaving the seat vacant.
2018: Roy Moore Lawsuit
In 2018, Roy Moore sued Sacha Baron Cohen for $95 million relating to a mock interview and allegations of paedophilia.
June 2020: Crashed Right-Wing Protest
In June 2020, Sacha Baron Cohen crashed the "March for Our Rights 3" protest in Olympia, Washington, disguised as Borat and sang a satirical song.
July 2021: Lawsuit Dismissed
On 13 July 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed Roy Moore's lawsuit after finding that Moore had signed a consent agreement barring his claims.
July 2022: Baron Cohen Defeats Lawsuit
On 8 July 2022, Sacha Baron Cohen defeated the lawsuit filed by Roy Moore.
