Co-writer Colton Dunn defends the new Ali G movie from racism claims
The Superstore actor has also written for Key & Peele and The Eric Andre Show .
Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming film Ali G: Who Iz I? has stirred controversy ahead of its October release. The petition to ban the film from British theater chains has gained traction, with Black British comics Gina Yashere, Mo Gilligan, and Curtis Walker among those who argue that Ali G perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Cohen, known for his provocative caricatures like Ali G, Borat, and Bruno, has always maintained that the joke is on both the buffoonish characters and those who unwittingly fall for them.
Colton Dunn, a co-writer of Who Iz I? and the wheelchair-using store announcer from Superstore, is defending the 54-year-old star. Dunn, a Black man and writer for Key & Peele and The Eric Andre Show, believes that Ali G is a tool to expose racists rather than a racist character. He also noted that the character has been updated to address current racially sensitive issues and remains ridiculous and fun.
However, other Black comics, such as Dane Baptiste, argue that Ali G's time has passed and the comeback is akin to "microwaving a relic from a generation ago." Cohen himself has been tight-lipped about the film's reception, but he has always stated that he is against any form of racism.
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