New York, NY, September 28, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued the following statement on the upcoming theatrical release of Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” starring his farcical anti-Semitic character “Borat” in the lead role:

The premiere of Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film featuring his farcical character “Borat” has raised anew concerns among some in the Jewish community about the character’s notoriously boastful expressions of anti-Semitism and stereotyping of others.

When approaching this film, one has to understand that there is absolutely no intent on the part of the filmmakers to offend, and no malevolence on the part of Sacha Baron Cohen, who is himself proudly Jewish. We hope that everyone who chooses to see the film understands Mr. Cohen’s comedic technique, which is to use humor to unmask the absurd and irrational side of anti-Semitism and other phobias born of ignorance and fear.

We are concerned, however, that one serious pitfall is that the audience may not always be sophisticated enough to get the joke, and that some may even find it reinforcing their bigotry.

While Mr. Cohen’s brand of humor may be tasteless and even offensive to some, we understand that the intent is to dash stereotypes, not to perpetuate them. It is our hope that everyone in the audience will come away with an understanding that some types of comedy that work well on screen do not necessarily translate well in the real world — especially when attempted on others through retelling or mimicry.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Cohen chose to make jokes at the expense of Kazakhstan. It would have been better to have used a mythological country, rather than focus on a specific nation.

Response by Angry Arab: Priorities: “Statement On The Comedy Of Sacha Baron Cohen, A.K.A. “Borat”” (If an Arab or Muslim organization issued such a statement, they would be told to “lighten up.”)