Bruno star under fire from Palestinian group

JEWISH comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has increased his security after a Palestinian terrorist group threatened him over a scene in his latest film, Bruno.

Sacha Baron Cohen. Photo: AJN file
Sacha Baron Cohen. Photo: AJN file

NEW YORK — Jewish comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has increased his security after a Palestinian terrorist group threatened him. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade issued a statement on Monday threatening the British actor for the inclusion of one of its members in his most recent film, Bruno, according to reports.

“We reserve the right to respond in the way we find suitable against this man,” the group was quoted as saying, referring to Cohen. “The movie was part of a conspiracy against the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade.”

Cohen stars as Bruno, a flamboyant gay Austrian television newsman, who interviews Ayman Abu Aita, identified as a leader of the Palestinian terrorist group.

At one point the character beseeches Aita to take him hostage, saying: “I want to be famous. I want the best guys in the business to kidnap me. Al-Qaida is so 2001.”

The British Telegraph reported on Monday that Cohen had increased security around him in response to the threat.

Aita has said he is no longer involved in the organization.

Watch Sacha Baron Cohen talk about interviewing Aita on the Late Show With David Letterman.

Cohen first became famous for his character Ali G, a rapper-turned-television host known for his unusual style of interviews.

He achieved worldwide fame in 2006 after the release of Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, in which he interviewed people in the character of a mustachioed journalist from the central Asian republic.

JTA


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