Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest film, Ladies First, has encountered controversy even before its release. The trailer, which debuted this week and features Cohen alongside Rosamund Pike, has sparked significant backlash not because of its plot, but due to Cohen’s outspoken support for Israel during the ongoing Gaza-Iran conflict.
The movie’s story follows a cad who wakes up in a female-run parallel world, blending sci-fi and comedy. However, this creative premise has been overshadowed by criticism directed at Cohen’s political stance. In 2023, Cohen met with TikTok executives to advocate for stricter measures against what he described as “the biggest antisemitic movement since the Nazis,” specifically targeting content related to the conflict.
Additionally, Cohen’s previous roles, such as in The Spy, have drawn criticism for allegedly glorifying Israeli intelligence services while portraying Arab nations negatively.
Social media platforms have erupted with calls to boycott the film. Users have expressed their disapproval with comments like:
- @AlanRMacLeod: “Sometimes, boycotting is easy.”
- @AndreaT2303: “No fvcking way. This ‘actor’ supports genocide. No fvcking thanks.”
- @lactrum: “Boycott this film. Baron Cohen is a Zionist.”
- @dermotheaney: “Hope it collapses at the box office. He’s on a different level of Zio.”
The backlash has been loud and widespread, with many fans pledging to avoid the film and encouraging others to do the same.
Despite the controversy, the trailer itself has received a lukewarm response. Critics have described the premise as unoriginal, with some unfavourably comparing it to classic British comedy shows like The Two Ronnies. Many feel that Cohen’s peak comedic years are behind him, leaving audiences with only memories of his earlier successes.
In a nod to Cohen’s history of provocative comedy, there is a recalled incident where a woman claimed her Alexa device ordered £100 worth of sex toys after hearing the Borat character. While this kind of shock humor was once a hallmark of Cohen’s work, it appears insufficient to shield Ladies First from the current political backlash.
Originally published by UKNIP.
