Sacha Baron Cohen revives Ali G character after two decades

Summarised from 2 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 00:38 · Archive

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has revived his Ali G character for a new film, Ali G: Who iz I?, released on Friday.

Sacha Baron Cohen has revived Ali G, his character from the 2002 film Ali G Indahouse, for a new sequel called Ali G: Who iz I?, which was released on Friday. The character, a white hip-hop journalist and aspiring rapper, was created after Baron Cohen experimented with an earlier upper-class version called MC Jocelyn Cheadle-Hume.

Baron Cohen, now 55, has spent more than half his life developing undercover comedy using disguised personas—including Ali G, the Kazakhstani reporter Borat, and the narcissist Bruno—to expose people's genuine beliefs. He describes the work as increasingly complex and dangerous, sometimes requiring escape routes such as trap doors and getaway vans. He says his ambition was to create one classic comedy, which he achieved with Borat.

The Ali G revival has been promoted with stunts including a viral appearance at Wimbledon's men's final and an official lookalike competition featuring more than 300 fans. However, critics have accused Baron Cohen of perpetuating racial stereotypes through the character. Labour MP Paulette Hamilton called the character racist, arguing Baron Cohen would not portray other racial groups in the same way. Baron Cohen has not responded to these criticisms or to the BBC's request for comment.

How it is being reported

• Ali G is back. But is the character past its sell-by date?Borat and Bruno creator Sacha Baron Cohen returns as Ali G, more than two decades after the release of Ali G Indahouse.BBC News · 21 Oct, 00:04
• Extended Interview: Sacha Baron CohenIn an extended interview, Sacha Baron Cohen tells 60 Minutes about early influences, creating his iconic characters and why he brought back Ali G.CBS News · 19 Oct, 12:00
• Sacha Baron Cohen on getting real people to reveal their beliefsSacha Baron Cohen, the actor behind iconic characters, including Ali G, Borat and Bruno, is a rare mix of public intellectual and adrenaline junkie. He uses comedy in the hopes of making us laugh and waking us up.CBS News · 19 Oct, 00:39
• 60 Minutes Transcript: Sacha Baron CohenActor Sacha Baron Cohen breaks down his iconic characters: Ali G, Bruno and Borat. He also explains the complexities behind his brand of undercover comedy.CBS News · 19 Oct, 00:39
• Sacha Baron Cohen: The 60 Minutes InterviewActor Sacha Baron Cohen breaks down his iconic characters: Ali G, Bruno and Borat. He also explains the complexities behind his brand of undercover comedy.CBS News · 19 Oct, 00:38

In this story: Sacha Baron Cohen · Ali G · Borat · Bruno · Paulette Hamilton · BBC · Wimbledon · London

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