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 and comedian renowned for his satirical characters like Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, Brüno Gehard, and Admiral General Aladeen. His work has garnered critical acclaim, including two BAFTA TV Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a SAG Award. He has also been nominated for three Academy Awards and six Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in comedy and entertainment.

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

2005: Kazakhstan threatens legal action

In 2005, the government of Kazakhstan threatened Sacha Baron Cohen with legal action following the MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony in Lisbon and removed the website for his character Borat.

December 2006: Lawsuit filed by USC students

On December 11, 2006, a Los Angeles judge denied a restraining order to remove two University of South Carolina students from the film Borat after the students sued the filmmakers.

2006: MTV Movie Awards

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

2006: UK premiere of Borat

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

February 2007: Lawsuit dismissed

In February 2007, the lawsuit filed by two University of South Carolina students who appeared in Borat was dismissed.

September 2008: Fashion show incident

On September 26, 2008, Sacha Baron Cohen, in-character as Brüno, walked onto the catwalk during the Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada fashion show in Milan, disrupting the show.

May 2009: MTV Movie Awards Appearance as Brüno

In May 2009, at the MTV Movie Awards, Baron Cohen appeared as Brüno and performed a staged stunt with Eminem.

May 2009: Charity worker sues Baron Cohen

On May 22, 2009, a charity worker at a seniors' bingo game sued Sacha Baron Cohen, claiming an incident shot for Brüno at a charity bingo tournament left her disabled.

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

During a July 2009 appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, Sacha Baron Cohen made comments that led to Ayman Abu Aita including David Letterman in his lawsuit, based on Cohen's claims that Abu Aita was a "terrorist".

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July 2009: Brüno film released

In July 2009, the film Brüno was released after Universal Pictures acquired the film rights. Shill companies and websites were created to draw potential interviewees by creating an illusion of legitimacy.

November 2009: Case dismissed

In late November 2009, the case against Sacha Baron Cohen filed by a charity worker 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. This was due to his portrayal in the film Brüno as a member of Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Abu Aita claimed he was falsely accused of being a "terrorist".

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September 2011: Dismissal upheld

On September 12, 2011, the dismissal of the case against Sacha Baron Cohen was appealed and upheld.

February 2012: Banned from the 84th Academy Awards

In February 2012, Sacha Baron Cohen, in character as Admiral General Aladeen, claimed he was banned from attending the 84th Academy Awards. The Academy denied banning him but clarified he was not welcome to use the red carpet for a promotional stunt.

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, resolving the dispute that originated from Cohen's portrayal of Abu Aita in the movie Brüno.

May 2018: Jason Spencer loses primary election

In May 2018, Jason Spencer, a Republican state representative, lost his primary election to Steven Sainz, a political novice, after an episode where he was taught by Sacha Baron Cohen's character how to repel terrorists aired.

July 2018: Jason Spencer resigns

On July 31, 2018, Jason Spencer resigned from his position as a state representative after initially refusing to step down following an episode where he was taught by a Sacha Baron Cohen character how to repel terrorists.

2019: Anti-Defamation League's International Leadership Award

In 2019, Sacha Baron Cohen was awarded the Anti-Defamation League's International Leadership Award and criticized internet companies in his speech.

June 2020: Baron Cohen crashes right-wing protest

In June 2020, Sacha Baron Cohen, disguised under heavy make-up, crashed the "March for Our Rights 3" protest in Olympia, Washington. He sang a song attacking liberals and various entities, later revealed to be part of filming for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. He was eventually forced to flee in a private ambulance.

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July 2021: Roy Moore's lawsuit dismissed

On 13 July 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the $95 million lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen. The lawsuit related to a mock interview in Who is America? and allegations of paedophilia, but the court found that Moore had signed a consent agreement barring his claims.

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July 2022: Baron Cohen defeats Roy Moore's lawsuit

On 8 July 2022, Sacha Baron Cohen won against the lawsuit filed by Roy Moore. This legal victory concluded the dispute arising from Cohen's mock interview with Moore on "Who is America?" and the subsequent allegations.

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October 2023: Criticism 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 war in Gaza.

November 2023: Challenging TikTok executives

In November 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen was among more than a dozen creators and celebrities who challenged TikTok executives on the subject of content moderation and the safety of Jewish users amidst the early stages of the Gaza war.