Sacha Baron Cohen Will Pay Fine Of Blokes Charged For Wearing Mankinis

You'll no doubt remember that Cohen popularised the mens one-piece swimsuit in his film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, in which he played a fictional Kazakh TV presenter.

Local media reported earlier this month that the tourists were arrested and fined 22,500 Tenge (£51) for 'minor hooliganism' and 'indecent exposure'.

However, responding to the news story earlier today, Cohen wrote on Facebook: "To my Czech mates who were arrested. Send me your details and proof that it was you, and I'll pay your fine."

Baron Cohen has been a regular thorn in the side of Kazakhstan authorities since his film was released back in 2006.

The movie was banned and sales of the DVD were also a no-go while the government threatened to sue the British comedian, as they felt the movie represented the central Asian state as racist and sexist.

Credit: PA Images

"Many Kazakhs who saw Borat were offended and incredulous. But in fact, the country's critics, including Baron Cohen, are more likely to receive an invitation to address their concerns at an all-expenses-paid conference in Kazakhstan than they would be to receive a fatwa."

I guess that it's not great having your citizens portrayed as primitive and incestuous, but still, that tourist revenue is 'very nice!'.