Sacha Baron Cohen Says Ali G Exposes Prejudice Amid Backlash

WHO:

ComingSoon - Sacha Baron Cohen defended his new Ali G movie.

Variety - Sacha Baron Cohen wrote about bringing back Ali G, his alter-ego.

WHAT:

ComingSoon - The film is titled *Ali G: Who Iz I?* and has faced backlash over claims that it enforces racist stereotypes.

ComingSoon - Baron Cohen offered a lengthy defense of the film, saying, “The joke is on him.”

Variety - Baron Cohen wrote in a cover essay for *Time* magazine: “The fact that Ali G is outdated and problematic is the very reason I resurrected him.”

Variety - Baron Cohen said Ali G’s return is to a world that is “in many ways” different; the article excerpt does not complete the quote.

WHERE:

ComingSoon - *Ali G: Who Iz I?* is scheduled for release in theaters in the United States.

WHY:

Variety - Baron Cohen said Ali G’s being “outdated and problematic” was the reason he brought the character back.

ComingSoon - The film’s backlash centers on allegations that it reinforces racist stereotypes.

HOW:

Variety - Baron Cohen explained his decision to resurrect Ali G in a cover essay for *Time* magazine.

(UPDATED October 21, 2026 01:31 UTC)

Sacha Baron Cohen is defending his new film, *Ali G: Who Iz I?*, which has drawn criticism over claims that it reinforces racist stereotypes. In a cover essay for *Time* magazine, he said he brought Ali G back precisely because the character is “outdated and problematic.” Baron Cohen also argued, “The joke is on him,” as the film heads for a U.S. theatrical release.