Ali G has never been known for his tact, but it seems the outrageous interviewer's wit has proven a gag too far for critics in the US. British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's character is well-known for his politically incorrect tomfoolery. But his newly launched show, intended for American audiences, has been savaged by critics stateside for being too offensive.
Ali presented himself to American audiences by declaring he'd crossed the Atlantic to help TV channel HBO recover from "7-11". Not many critics were laughing, however, after the first episode of the six-part series was shown. "Cohen in character is clueless as Caucasian hip-hop interviewer Ali, but nothing excuses joking about September 11," wrote one journalist in the Washington Post.
Ali caused further offence by making light of the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Interviewing former CIA director James Woolsey, he asked: "Let's talk about some conspiracy things, Let's go back to the grassy knoll. Who really shot JR?"
While the critics are unimpressed, it remains to be seen if he will win over television audiences. The Cambridge graduate has already proven he can get Americans laughing, after a surprise appearance at New York Fashion Week. He left the audience at Lloyd Klein's show in stitches when he gatecrashed the event. Clean-shaven and sporting a blonde mohican, Sacha pranced around the catwalk in just a tight pink vest and boxers before attempting some breakdance moves. Lloyd didn't seem too bothered when he took the stage at the end of the show, with Sacha making a second appearance to dance about behind him.
The irreverent comic will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the hit series South Park, which was panned by critics but adored by the public.
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