There are funny, harmless pranks, and then there’s the dangerous ones, and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen nearly got killed after pulling the latter while filming a scene for the Borat sequel. He recalled how he was “fortunate enough” to survive the event after a crowd of angry protesters tried to yank him out of the car.
The actor admitted how a few times in his entire career, he has genuinely felt afraid for his own life. Indeed, he literally stuck out his neck for this act, and he would have been tortured had he missed the opportunity to get away immediately.
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen Recalls Almost Getting Killed While Filming A Prank Scene
In an editorial post for TIME, Sacha Baron Cohen shared his grueling experience while filming a controversial scene for Borat 2. He spoke about former US President Donald Trump, Facebook, dangerous conspiracy theories, and COVID-19 while disguised as a right-wing singer at a gun rights rally in Washington State. He recalled:
“When organizers finally stormed the stage, I rushed to a nearby get-away vehicle. An angry crowd blocked our way and started pounding on the vehicle with their fists. Under my overalls, I was wearing a bulletproof vest, but it felt inadequate with some people outside toting semiautomatic weapons. When someone ripped open the door to drag me out, I used my entire body weight to pull the door back shut until our vehicle maneuvered free.”
Baron Cohen was spotted in a blue overall, red long-sleeved shirt, and straw hat. In this YouTube video, he was heard singing an inappropriate song that goes, “Obama, what we gotta do? Inject him with the Wuhan flu.” He also mentioned wanting to inject Dr. Anthony Fauci with the same virus.
The comedian ended his essay with a note that reflected his experience shooting a very dangerous prank:
“I was fortunate to make it out in one piece. The next few weeks will determine whether America will be so lucky.”
This is not the first time Baron Cohen laid his life for the sake of art. In Bruno’s final scene, he posed as a fighter at a cage match and dared the audience to duel with him. When his fake ex-boyfriend volunteered, they started grappling with each other but ended up making out. The audience hurled homophobic slurs at them, and metal chairs as well. Luckily, Baron Cohen managed to escape through a trapdoor.
Sacha Baron Cohen Stands Up Against Conspiracy Theories
In the same essay posted on TIME, Sacha Baron Cohen expressed his feelings about spreading lies and conspiracies, especially on Facebook. He noted:
“For most of my career, I’ve been reluctant to take a public stance on the issues of the day. I’ve felt more comfortable in character—or in a mankini. Yes, a lot of my comedy is uncomfortably pubescent. But when it works, satire can humble the powerful and expose the ills of society.”
The comedian enumerated some of the famous conspiracy theories that people have always believed in, such as “the myth that Jews murdered Christian children and used their blood for religious rituals” and “the lie that Black people are genetically inferior or inherently violent.” Baron Cohen further claimed:
“By getting people to reveal what they really believe, I have at times exposed the ignorance, bigotry, and conspiratorial delusions that often lurk just below the surface of our modern lives.”
With all that trouble and danger for the intention of seeking the truth and raising awareness, Baron Cohen shows he truly cares for people’s democracy.
