Atlanta 2/25/2012 3:09:32 AM
News / Entertainment

Sacha Baron Cohen Makes Joke Of Academy Awards’ Dictator Ban

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences move to stop Sacha Baron Cohen from using the Oscars to promote his upcoming comedy The Dictator has backfired. In a minute-and-a-half-long video released Friday, Cohen appears as his Dictator character, Admiral General Aladeen of the Republic of Wadiya Media, and slams the Academy for banning him from Sunday’s awards show.

“I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Zionists. While I applaud the Academy for taking away my free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions and give me my tickets back by 12pm on Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences,” he says.

“On top of all of this, I paid Hilary Swank $2 million to be my date and she will not refund a penny. My Sunday calendar is now as empty as a North Korea grocery store,” he yells.

“But whatever happens, I still plan to attend director Brett Ratner’s afterparty since it’s impossible to catch herpes twice. Death to the West, death to America and good luck Billy Crystals – fantastic!” he adds.

On Thursday, Academy officials said Cohen would not be welcome at the Oscars if he plans to walk the red carpet in character. A rep said officials “don’t think it’s appropriate” for Cohen to use the awards show to promote the film.

Cohen is invited to the Oscars as a cast member of Hugo, which is nominated for 11 awards including best picture.

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