Druski is facing criticism after announcing an upcoming collaboration with Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G character for an event called Old Heads Auditions. The comedian shared a promotional poster featuring the British actor’s controversial character.
However, the announcement also drew calls to “Free Palestine” from social media users. Some fans further alleged that their comments mentioning Palestine and Zionism were being blocked.
Druski announced his collaboration with Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G character for Old Heads Auditions
Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, has 13.6 million Instagram followers. On Sunday, he posted a poster featuring himself alongside Baron Cohen’s Ali G character. It was to promote Old Heads Auditions, which was scheduled to take place in Brooklyn on October 12. (via The New Arab)
However, the announcement quickly attracted criticism. Ali G has faced scrutiny over its use of stereotypes about Black people and its mockery of Jamaican Patois.
Moreover, some social media users claimed they could not post comments containing “Free Palestine” or the word “Zionist” beneath Druski’s announcement. Screenshots shared on Reddit’s r/Fauxmoi forum showed the same allegations. Toronto-based hip-hop outlet Keep6ixsolid addressed the allegations on X. The user wrote, “Druski blocks ‘Free Palestine’ & ‘Zionists’ from his comment section in a bid to stop backlash for collaborating with zionist Sasa [sic] Baron Cohen.”
Other users also circulated screenshots that allegedly showed their comments being blocked. The post’s comment section was subsequently locked. Meanwhile, a video shared by @chriscadence_ on Threads also drew attention to the backlash against Druski for partnering with Sacha Baron Cohen.
Although Baron Cohen has not explicitly advocated for Israel or Zionism in his public statements, he has associated with pro-Israel groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and StandWithUs. He has also faced accusations of promoting anti-Muslim stereotypes through characters such as Borat and General Aladeen in The Dictator.
Meanwhile, Baron Cohen is preparing to release his new Ali G film, Who Iz I?, later this month. However, the movie has already faced criticism. In the UK, media comparison platform Newscord led a campaign against the film. It reportedly generated nearly 56,000 emails urging cinemas not to screen it.
Baron Cohen addressed the criticism in a video released Friday, using Borat to make light of the backlash. UK media reported on Monday that the film would screen for only one weekend.
