Borat‘s screening has been canceled at Vidiots amid backlash over Ali G “racist” allegations. Last Saturday, August 29, Sacha Baron Cohen‘s film was scheduled to screen at Vidiots, with two crew members scheduled to attend as special guests. However, the screening was canceled.
According to World of Reel, Vidiots was expected to be a packed house, as the film organization and cinema promoted a screening of Borat. Moreover, producer Monica Levinson and costume designer Jason Alper, who designed Borat’s iconic Speedo, were going to attend this event. However, it was canceled with no announcement.
In addition, the event was removed from Vidiots’ website, indicating that the show was not postponed either. Although no reason was provided, the reason behind the cancellation was alleged to be the “zionist” and “racist” claims against Cohen. According to the source, someone close to the matter stated, “The activists won.”
What prompted the ‘racist’ criticism of the new Ali G film?
Cohen’s racist and zionist criticisms stem from his portrayal of characters like Borat and Ali G. The backlash has led activists in the UK to campaign against Cohen’s Ali G: Who Iz I? movie. The activists are demanding a boycott of the new Ali G movie in UK cinemas.
This protest is led by media-monitoring organization NewsCord. The organization has sent over 27,000 emails to cinemas urging them to boycott the upcoming movie. Moreover, they claim that Cohen’s use of satire in his movies is a “cover for enforcing racist stereotypes.”
That said, the Borat actor anticipated the backlash and wrote on X, “In an age where a comedian’s career can be ended by a single un-PC joke, I thought I’d play it safe and bring this guy back.”
Ali G is a clueless, suburban “wanksta” from Staines, England. However, he adopts a heavy yet butchered Jamaican vernacular. Moreover, he wears bright tracksuits and heavy gold chains to fit the Jamaican stereotype.
On the other hand, Borat is a satirical, fictionalized journalist from Kazakhstan. The journalist is known for adopting stereotypes, customs, and mannerisms associated with Kazakh culture. The satire of Cohen’s characters comes from ignorance and outrageous, politically incorrect behavior.
Ali G: Who Iz I? is slated to release in theaters on October 23, 2026.
Originally reported by Christie D’Silva on ComingSoon.net.
