Ali G creator cleared by watchdogs

Ali G creator Sacha Baron Cohen has escaped censure over accusations his Kazakhstani journalist character Borat is racist.

Viewers complained to broadcasting watchdogs that he overstepped the bounds of satire when he led American rednecks in an anti-Semitic song.

The comic went to a country and western bar in Arizona for is American TV show, screened on Channel 4 in the UK, and led the regulars in what was supposedly a folk song from Borat’s homeland.

It off innocuously enough, but soon descended into “a vicious racist song” called Throw The Jew Down the Well.

The lyrics include: “In my country there is a problem/And that problem is the Jew/They take everybody money/And never give it back.”

And the chorus goes: “Throw the Jew down the well/ So my country can be free/ You must grab him by the horns/ Then we have a big party.”

Watchdogs at Ofcom said the context of the song made it acceptable.

They ruled: “It was clear that the satirical intention of the piece was achieved - as many of the audience joined in the singing, the point being that this was confirming this particular group in  its own prejudices, or in its naivety.

“In our opinion, where such hard-edged comedy is concerned, it is very difficult to censure a characterisation if its purpose is to use the very attitudes which it intends to mock.

“This technique has been part of the satirical landscape in the UK for many years – most notably in screen ‘monsters’ like Alf  Garnett. We believe the majority of the audience understands that this is a grotesque characterisation and in no way  intends to be representative of the people and policies of  Kazakhstan.”

Published: 18 Oct 2004