Ali G is back. But is the character past its sell-by date?
Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy character Ali G is returning in an upcoming sequel, sparking fresh debate online and in media. While fans celebrate the comeback, critics argue the character relies on harmful racial stereotypes.
Why it matters
Reflects ongoing cultural conversations regarding comedy, cultural appropriation, and whether older satirical characters have aged poorly.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ali G's appearance at the Wimbledon men's final on Centre Court went viral in July
"This is the biggest gathering of cultural appropriators in history," Sacha Baron Cohen tells the camera in his parody of a street accent.
Behind him, hundreds of fans cram onto a London Underground escalator, all wearing Ali G's trademark yellow shell suit and skullcap. Baron Cohen shouts the character's catchphrases through a megaphone, with the crowd enthusiastically finishing each one.
Earlier this month, more than 300 fans attended an official Ali G lookalike competition, ferried around London on an open-top bus that stopped at landmarks including Big Ben, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
The stunt was promotion for an upcoming sequel to 2002 film Ali G Indahouse - called Ali G: Who iz I? - which hits cinemas on Friday.
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