Kazakh American Association Launch Petition To Ban Borat 2 From The Oscars

A petition has been launched by the Kazakh-American Association for the Borat 2 film to be banned from the Oscars.

The association filed a letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which oversees the Oscars.

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The letters calls for Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm to be banned from Oscar consideration due to the films 'promotion of whitewashing, ethnic stereotyping, racism, cultural appropriation, and xenophobia'.

It goes on to say: "The Kazakh community worldwide is underrepresented and inherently vulnerable. Our nation is still recovering from an oppressive colonial past, which is why we do not have substantial media representation.

"Sacha Baron Cohen understands this fact and exploits Kazakhstan by hijacking our ethnic identity, whitewashing us by portraying us as Eastern Europeans, and inciting harassment toward Kazakh people worldwide. Our people report countless cases of sexual and physical harassment as well as bullying due to the Borat franchise."

It adds: "It is unbelievable that a racist film which openly berates, bullies and traumatizes a nation of people of color is an acceptable form of entertainment."

Despite this letter, Sacha Baron Cohen is certainly set on making the awards because he's called for his 24-year-old co star, Maria Bakalova, to receive a nomination.

Speaking on Good Morning America, he said: "She is hilarious, she is one of the most courageous actors in history, if she doesn't get nominated for an Oscar then that's a travesty."

Writing on Instagram, Bakalova said she was 'overwhelmed' by his words, adding that he really is like a father to her.

Bakalova plays Borat's 15-year-old daughter Tutar Sagdiyeva in the sequel and she is as instrumental as Baron Cohen, demonstrating wit, courage and improvisational skill that the man himself would be proud of.

So much so that Baron Cohen isn't the only one calling on her to get an Oscar. One fan said: "The ONLY candidate for female lead for an Oscar 2021 is Maria Bakalova."

Another added: "Watched the new Borat film. Some truly great laugh out loud moments. Sacha Baron Cohen is so good at pushing beyond the edge. Maria Bakalova really should win an Oscar. Outstanding performance."

LADbible has contacted the Academy for comment.

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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