Sacha Baron Cohen's Dictator Character Blasts Oscar Ban

As Admiral General Aladeen, actor warns in new YouTube video about his Academy Awards controversy, "If you do not lift your sanctions...you will face unimaginable consequences"

By Marc Malkin, Brett Malec Feb 24, 2012 3:46 PMTags

With all the attention Sacha Baron Cohen's Dictator is getting, you'd think the guy really was some sort of dangerous terrorist world leader.

The latest twist in the funnyman's battle with the Oscars?

He released a video this morning to address the Academy's refusal to allow him to appear on the red carpet as the Dictator.

But not just any video. He's in full character as Admiral General Aladeen.

"On behalf of the nation of Wadiya, I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Zionists," he says. "While I applaud the Academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions and give me my tickets back by 12 p.m. on Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences."

He then goes on to say that he paid Hilary Swank $2 million to be his date "and she will not refund a penny."

SBC also pimps out his country's "classic films," including When Harry Kidnapped Sally, You've Got Mailbomb and Planet of the Rapes.

Oy.

So what are Cohen's peers saying about his stunt?

"I understand it's very serious, you know, look at the average age member of people on the Academy," Sophia Bush told us at the Global Green event at Avalon. "I mean that as no insult, but I'm just saying, you know, it's a little old-school...But I think it would be hilarious and viewers like myself would probably enjoy it."

Vampire Diaries beauty Kat Graham thinks Cohen should just go for it. "If I got asked for permission for my fashion, I don't think anyone would let me on the carpet," she said.

"I don't want to judge anybody, but I think we have to keep a level of decorum with the Oscars," Academy Award nominee Octavia Spencer said at Essence magazine's Black Women in Film Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. If we start doing that then...it will turn into something else."

Paula Patton, on the other hand, doesn't think there should "be any rules" when it comes to art.

"I think that we should encourage people to be individuals and express themselves," she said. "I just don't think there should be rules like that, so I hope he has a blast. And listen, some people may like it, some people won't, but it doesn't matter as long as he's happy."

But could this hurt Cohen in the long run? Said one insider, "Sacha is torturing the Academy. I bet when this is over they revoke his membership."

Now we want to hear from you. Do you think the General should be allowed to attend the Oscars? Sound off below.

PHOTOS: 2012 Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon