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Palestinian Sues 'Bruno' for $110M

Christian shopkeeper says he was slandered as terrorist

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 10, 2009 8:03 AM CST
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(Newser) – A Palestinian portrayed as a terrorist in Bruno is actually a Christian shopkeeper and activist, and he's suing for $110 million. Ayman Abu Aita, identified in Bruno as a member of the militant al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade, filed libel and slander suits last week against Sacha Baron Cohen, David Letterman, and CBS, among others, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

In a Late Show interview, Baron Cohen told Letterman he feared for his safety during a CIA-arranged meeting with a "terrorist" at a secret location on the West Bank. In reality, Abu Aita says, Baron Cohen interviewed him at a hotel in an area under Israeli control. The label "terrorist" is a "corrosive and calumnious slur against any young Palestinian who would be a political activist on the West Bank," said Abu Aita's lawyer.

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays the part of Bruno, poses earlier this year in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin as part of promotional activities of the movie Bruno.
British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays the part of Bruno, poses earlier this year in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin as part of promotional activities of the movie "Bruno."   (AP Photo/Maya Hitij, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Fondue
Dec 11, 2009 12:58 PM CST
I don't know. The movie grossed over $137 million. I think it's standard practice to start big knowing you won't get that much.
RockyPneumonia
Dec 11, 2009 9:13 AM CST
...And you know this...how?
Michael_CT
Dec 11, 2009 7:18 AM CST
Cohen deserves some sort of punishment for riding on the coat-tails of minority groups. its pathetic.

 
CBS • libel • lawsuit • David Letterman • Sacha Baron Cohen • Bruno • Late Show • Ayman Abu Aita • lawsuit Bruno • lawsuit Baron Cohen • Palestinian Bruno

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