Baron Cohen wrote in an essay last month ahead of the “Borat 2” opening that Trump “had a dutiful ally” and “willing accomplice” in Zuckerberg and Facebook, a social media platform which has taken advantage of “Americans [who] are especially vulnerable to lies and conspiracies.” The comedian added that Facebook is “a megaphone that history’s worst autocrats could only dream of. Its algorithm deliberately amplifies content that generates more engagement…Not surprisingly, most days the top 10 Facebook posts are overwhelmingly from right-wing pundits and outlets.”
In recent years, Baron Cohen has called out on numerous occasions the role Facebook has played in spreading Holocaust conspiracy theories and elevating the voices of Holocaust deniers. “Once a fringe belief held by Neo-Nazis, this conspiracy theory has become widespread due to its prevalence on social media,” Baron Cohen noted in a “Borat 2” outtake. “Facebook for example only removed Holocaust deniers 10 days prior to the release of [the “Borat” sequel].” In a more optimistic reaction to the election, Baron Cohen posted: “The candidates campaigned. The people spoke. The vote is clear. President Biden will be sworn in on January 20. Democracy works.” The comedian even took a jab at Trump by calling back to a joke he made October 24 thanking “racist buffoon” Trump for providing “Borat 2” with free publicity. Baron Cohen jokingly offered Trump a job at the time, an offer that has now been rescinded. “Donald — you’re out of work and I know I offered you a job,” Baron Cohen wrote. “But your performance this past week was tragic and sad. Offer rescinded.”
But your performance this past week was tragic and sad. Offer rescinded. — Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) November 7, 2020
— Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) November 7, 2020
— Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) November 7, 2020 Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
