Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G Film Faces Boycott Calls Amid Controversy
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest Ali G project has ignited a storm of controversy, prompting calls for a boycott from UK theaters. The British news comparison site NewsCord...
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest Ali G project has ignited a storm of controversy, prompting calls for a boycott from UK theaters.
The British news comparison site NewsCord has initiated a campaign urging cinemas to refuse screening the film. They argue that the character is an ‘alibi for racism’ and have garnered significant support.
As of now, 37,658 emails have been sent in favor of the boycott, according to NewsCord. Picturehouse Cinemas, a UK chain with 25 theaters, has already announced it will not show the film.
In a statement, Picturehouse confirmed it has no current plans to screen the movie upon its release. The new Ali G documentary, titled Ali G: Who Iz I?, is set for an October 23 release by Amazon MGM.
The film follows Ali G as he travels to America to reclaim his former glory after discovering his long-term girlfriend is pregnant. However, he faces adversaries that threaten his and his unborn child’s safety.
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Critics, including comedians Curtis Walker and Felix Dexter, have long condemned the character for mocking Black street culture. Baron Cohen himself has acknowledged the controversial nature of Ali G, stating it was an attempt to subtly undermine the establishment.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
