Sacha Baron Cohen has responded to criticisms about the recently released “Borat” film sequel that have been levelled by both U.S. Presidential Advisor Rudolph Giuliani and U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” sees Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen) journeying to the United States from Kazakhstan in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 elections – this time taking his teenage daughter (played by 24-year old actress Maria Bakalova) with him.
A key scene appears to show Giuliani going into the bedroom of a hotel suite with the daughter character following a fawning interview between the pair. On camera, Giuliani is seen asking her for her phone number and address along with lying back on the bed, fiddling with his shirt before reaching into his trousers.
Giuliani slammed the film’s portrayal on Thursday, calling it a “complete fabrication” and he was “tucking in my shirt after taking off the recording equipment”. He goes on to say: “If Sacha Baron Cohen implies otherwise he is a stone-cold liar”.
Now Cohen has responded to that response, appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday and saying:
“If the president’s lawyer found what he did there appropriate behavior, then heaven knows what he’s done with other female journalists in hotel rooms. I just urge everyone to watch the movie. It is what it is. He did what he did. And make your own mind up. It was pretty clear to us.”
The film also features footage of Borat’s daughter appearing to gain access to The White House, actress Maria Bakalova gaining entry to the north grounds of the property under the guise of being a member of the press and raising questions about Trump’s security.
Trump gave a press conference on Air Force One and reporter Steve Herman was on hand and revealed on Twitter that the current President was asked if he had seen the “Borat 2” footage and if he’s worried about security breaches.
Trump reportedly replied: “I don’t know what happened. But years ago, you know, he tried to scam me and I was the only one who said no way. That’s a phony guy and I don’t find him funny.”
Cohen has now responded to that criticism as well, taking to Twitter and saying:
“Donald – I appreciate the free publicity for Borat! I admit, I don’t find you funny either. But yet the whole world laughs at you. I’m always looking for people to play racist buffoons, and you’ll need a job after Jan. 20. Let’s talk!”
“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” is now available worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.
