Sacha Baron Cohen Addresses Boycott Calls for ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ and Targeting of Jews

Sacha Baron Cohen is no stranger to controversy, and his latest film, ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’, is stirring up debate ahead of its release. Known for his guerrilla-style comedies that blend documentary, satire, and hidden-camera pranks, each new project from Baron Cohen tends to spark discussions. With the film set to hit theaters soon, the conversation has shifted from the trailer to the box office.

‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ marks Baron Cohen’s directorial debut and is being released by Amazon MGM Studios on October 23, rated R. The film revives the beloved Ali G character, who returns to reclaim his former glory after discovering his girlfriend Julie is eight months pregnant. Morgana Robinson stars alongside him, and the film will compete with DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’ and ‘Klara and the Sun.’

In a recent cover story with The Hollywood Reporter, Baron Cohen addressed the boycott calls surrounding the film. He denied that the campaign was connected to his past support of Israel, stating, “I’m not surprised that prominent Jews are being targeted.” He expressed astonishment at the level of organization behind the boycott and highlighted a trend of negative portrayals of Jews, referencing his involvement in the Stop Hate for Profit campaign alongside organizations like the ADL and the NAACP.

The boycott, initiated by NewsCord, a British media-monitoring platform, began just a day after the film’s trailer was released. The group is urging cinemas globally not to screen the film, claiming that the character perpetuates harmful stereotypes of Jamaican and Black culture. Reports indicate that NewsCord has sent between 36,000 and 40,000 emails to theater chains, with tens of thousands of individuals joining the campaign.

Criticism of the Ali G character is not new. NewsCord referenced a 2000 report where Black comedians labeled Ali G as an ‘alibi for racism.’ Detractors of the new trailer have pointed out elements like a dreadlock wig worn under a Rastafarian hat. Baron Cohen has consistently maintained that the character is intended to expose the ignorance and prejudice of those he interviews, rather than to mock Black individuals.

The controversy surrounding Israel has added another layer to the discussion. The Wrap noted that reactions to the film’s announcement on social media included many targeting Baron Cohen’s support for Israel, with some labeling the film as the work of a racist hack. The Washington Free Beacon suggested that NewsCord is an anti-Israel group using the stereotype complaint to undermine him, while NewsCord representatives have denied any connection between the campaign and Baron Cohen’s ties to Israel.

The Free Beacon also highlighted an August 27 article from The Canary, which mentioned that viewers object to Baron Cohen’s support for Israel. This concern is separate from the campaign’s stated objections regarding the portrayal of Black and Jamaican culture, and the available reports do not clarify how much each issue is fueling the backlash. Both threads emerged within the same wave of online reactions.

Yo check out de trailer for me new movie, Ali G: Who Iz I? It got nuff sick tings, but u’ll have to watch de hole film to find out if me hactually died makin it. Only in dem cinemas October 23nd. https://t.co/kz0c3FBeET

— Ali G (@OfficialAli_G) August 25, 2026

The industry’s response has been measured. UK Cinema Association CEO Phil Clapp told Variety that cinemas are not censors, and reports claiming that the Picturehouse chain had agreed to drop the film were debunked. However, another source indicated that Picturehouse stated it would not screen the film. While studio representatives declined to comment on the boycott, public supporters of the film include notable figures like Kevin Durant and A$AP Rocky.

In response to the backlash, Baron Cohen has employed satire. On October 7, he shared an Instagram sketch portraying a fictional activist from the ‘Campaign for Ethical Comedy,’ who calls for a boycott of the Ali G film. The sketch mocks the language of the backlash, though it does not directly address the specific objections raised. Interestingly, the film’s plot reportedly features a progressive nemesis, also played by Baron Cohen, who attempts to cancel Ali G.

As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the box office this weekend. ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ is set to premiere in cinemas, and ticket sales will reveal how much the controversy has influenced audience decisions.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!