Sacha Baron Cohen feels “outrage” after being turned down for guest spots on high profile TV and radio shows.
The comedian has been conducting a series of interviews as his character Admiral General Aladeen from the new film The Dictator.
However, programmes on BBC TV and radio programmes in the UK have reportedly pulled the plug on chatting with the 40-year-old star while he is pretending to be the General.
“While I am a huge admirer of state-sponsored censorship, the BBC banning me from their meagre channels is an outrage,” Sacha told The Sun in the Aladeen character.
“Why are they victimising little old me?”
Sources close to Sacha say the actor thinks BBC bosses lack a sense of humour. The Borat star is boggled at their decision.
“Everyone came back and said they were declining to have him in character on air,” a source said.
“Sacha suspects it’s a case of a sense of humour bypass.”
The Dictator follows the story of a leader who risks his life to ensure democracy never comes to the country he oppressed. The comedy movie is set to hit theatres from next week and also stars Megan Fox and Sir Ben Kingsley.
A BBC spokesman says the network welcomes Sacha to come on one of its shows out of character.
“Our chat shows thrive on the spontaneous banter between guests and the presenter, something you don’t get when people come on as characters. We’d love to have Sacha on as himself,” the representative said.
Sacha is known for playing his movie characters such as Borat, Ali G and Bruno during interviews.
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