Palestinian Group Threatens ‘Brüno’ Star Over Tricky Tactics
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed wing of the ruling Fatah movement in the West Bank, is threatening a “suitable” response to its inclusion in Sacha Baron Cohen’s new comedy, “Bruno.”
According to World Net Daily, the controversy erupted after a member of the group, Ayman Abu Aita, was interviewed in the film by Cohen’s homosexual alter-ego who posed as a journalist.
The group denounced Cohen’s “dirty use” of Aita, claiming that he was misled as to the “real context of the film.” Bruno is seen remarking to Aita: “I want to be famous. I want the best guys in the business to kidnap me. Al-Qaida is so 2001.”
Aita was reportedly furious with his portrayal in the film. “We reserve the right to respond in the way we find suitable against this man,” Aita said in a statement published by World Net Daily. “The movie was part of a conspiracy against the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.”
According to the British Telegraph, Aita’s lawyer said his client planned to file a lawsuit against Cohen.
The Telegraph reported that the Bruno star has tightened his security following the group’s statement.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
