Sacha Baron Cohen discussed his controversial new film and his long-standing approach to comedy during an event at New York’s 92nd Street Y last week. The British actor and comedian, known for his provocative characters such as Borat and Brüno, appeared alongside podcast host Josh Horowitz to promote his latest project, "Ali G: Who Iz I?"—a return of the tracksuit-clad, faux-Jamaican persona that first gained popularity in the late 1990s.
Baron Cohen reflected on the challenges and complexities of portraying characters steeped in ethnic and cultural stereotypes. He recounted Marvel’s careful consideration when offering him the role of Mephisto, a demonic figure in the 2025 series "Ironheart," noting that the largely Black creative team sought to ensure he would not be offended by the casting. “It was such an amazingly considerate, empathetic thing to say,” Baron Cohen observed. The episode underscored his awareness of historical antisemitic tropes and his desire to engage thoughtfully with them.
At the event, held in a predominantly Jewish cultural venue, Baron Cohen acknowledged the heightened anxieties many Jews currently face amid rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism, making light of the tension by joking about the contrast between the relaxed atmosphere in the room and the realities outside.
The return of Ali G has sparked debate due to the character’s appropriation of Black culture and use of racial stereotypes—a point of contention especially among Black British comedians and activists, some of whom have called for boycotts of the new film. Critics argue that the character risks normalizing caricatures under the guise of satire. Baron Cohen defended the character, describing Ali G as a “naive idiot” who holds problematic views but ultimately "wants the world to be better." He said Ali G is a fitting figure for 2026 precisely because of the shifting cultural attitudes around appropriation and bigotry.
The comedian’s broader mission, he said, is to use his characters to expose prejudice, bias, and ignorance. His approach has led to frequent accusations that he perpetuates the very attitudes he aims to criticize. In recent years, Baron Cohen has engaged in activism, helping to establish the Stop Hate for Profit campaign in 2020 with the NAACP and Color of Change, aimed at pressuring social media platforms to curb hate speech and racist content. He also delivered a keynote at the Anti-Defamation League's 2019 summit, warning of the dangers posed by social media as a “propaganda machine.”
Baron Cohen addressed the backlash against Ali G, acknowledging organized campaigns targeting Jewish artists that sometimes draw on stereotypes to attempt silencing their voices. While some observers have speculated these controversies relate to his perceived views on Israel, Baron Cohen denied any public statements on the matter. He did not discuss Israel during the 92nd Street Y event, nor was the subject explored in depth.
The event highlighted the enduring tension in Baron Cohen’s work between satire that challenges bigotry and accusations that it inadvertently reinforces harmful stereotypes. While he has been praised for his efforts to confront prejudice, his characters continue to provoke debate regarding the efficacy and ethics of using caricature as a tool against discrimination.