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Exclusive: Bruno (a.k.a. Sacha Baron Cohen) Disrupts 'Medium'

Nov 17, 2008, 01:48 PM | by Michael Ausiello

Categories: Medium

Brunosashabaron_l Allison DuBois' psychic powers apparently don't extend to rooting out serial practical jokers.

On Nov 7, production on NBC's Medium was temporarily shut down when an extra kept interrupting a tense courtroom scene involving series star Patricia Arquette. Security stepped in and forcibly removed the troublemaker from the jury box, and it's only then that everyone's sixth sense kicked in: The unruly actor was actually Sacha Baron Cohen in disguise as his latest Borat-like creation, flamboyant fashion reporter Bruno.

"No one had a clue it was Sacha playing Bruno," whispers a Medium insider. "It's amazing he was able to infiltrate the set and pull this off."

For the past several months, Cohen has been spanning the globe gathering footage for Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt*, his big-screen follow-up to 2006's Borat. In September, Cohen-as-Bruno  disrupted fashion weeks in Milan and Paris. And earlier this month, he crashed a rally in support of Prop 8, the gay marriage-banning ballot measure that recently passed in California.

It remains unclear whether Cohen (or one of his accomplices) snuck a video camera onto the Medium set to capture all of the tomfoolery, or whether he's relying on the show's producer, Paramount, to voluntarily hand over the unused footage. (The scene ended up being re-shot.) Considering Bruno is being produced by rival studio Universal, the latter option seems unlikely. Then again, Medium airs on NBC, and NBC and Universal are corporate siblings, so perhaps it's not so unlikely!

A Medium rep had no comment.

* not the real title

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G Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 11:45 PM EST

I know this is late and probably no one cares, but it is not true that a medium insider said that no one knew that it was him on the jury box. A real medium insider actually says that some of the lead actors knew who this was and were gracious enough to take the scene seriously thus giving Sacha an easy opportunity to provide his comic relief, or disrupt.

Graeme Phillips Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 10:54 AM EST

I don't particularly like Baron-Cohen's politics, as they are just what we would expect from the liberal anti-God media. However, I find some of the things he does amusing because they are so outrageous, in particular the scene in the Borat film where he had a pseudo-homoerotic brawl with Azamat his manager before the two of them ran naked into the mortgage brokers convention.

stu Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:56 PM EST

re: duane gibson

In "your" free America duane, where you do all "kines" of brilliant things.. sure.

eoghan Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 04:22 AM EST

haha, the only reason sacha goes over to america is because there is so many people up their own assess, they can't see the wood from trees, easy pickings! kudos bruno!

duane gibson Mon, Nov 24, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST

Sacha Baron Cohen is a nut. I guess people like doing cool, strange, or just what he thinks is some kine of brilliant thing, but I think he's a fool! Only my opinion in our free America.

bored2tears Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

Exclusive? 10 days after the event and following its being reported everywhere from web gossip sites to industry press?

This is why illiterates shouldn't have columns.

Lucas Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

Who is a brit? Ben>Classic example of a stupid Yank, unaware that not only the Brits and the Yanks speak English.

Ivy Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 05:04 PM EST

All these religious comments are making me sick.. What does a comedian have to do with religion.. All you sicko religious buffs get a life... Your all brainwashed.

Ben Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

Shouldn't you Brits be busy getting dental work or loving those freak inbred royals over there? It's ok. It is because your teeth all look like horse teeth that we can laugh at you like that.

Lucas Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 01:40 AM EST

Stupid Yanks, too serious and selfish....i wonder why the rest of the world laugh's at you? If you were not like this SBC would not be there filming and offending you!

PJ - The Real PJ, not imposter Blake Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 12:01 AM EST

Sacha Baron Cohen is an awesome actor. Anything he does turn out to be awesome. Even if the movie wasn't the best, all the best parts in that movie involve him! I say let him have the footage!

ElectAPromQueen (it didn't happen) Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 08:45 PM EST

Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt*

WELL THERE GOES MY LATE VOTE FOR THE MOST "UNFORGETTABLE MOVIE TITLE OF ALL TIME", LMAO!!!

EvilJ Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

AJ - I just love your bluntness! We should go out drinking some night! Lighten up a little -- this guy is just in this business to make people laugh. So far, he's done a pretty good job. Just lighten up a little -- life is too short to be so negative. Come out with me and my queer friends -- we might just suprise you!!

BigGuy Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

God is obviously fallible, if HE created YOU.

Jen Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 05:38 PM EST

I call irony alert on Carla

John Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

Just 3 Words.

Fab U Lous!

serge Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST

Yabbo - didn't read your last sentence. Hope you never have a gay friend or relative who is hurt solely because he or she is what he or she is.

serge Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 05:19 PM EST

Yabbo - are you perhaps a bit too serious? I don't think that is a homophobic joke in any sense of the word. The person who wrote it seems likely to be tolerant of gays. Maybe you should lighten up.

Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

All my straight married boyfriends love borat.

Lester Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:58 PM EST

@Carla- we won because God is on our side.

Yabbo Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:57 PM EST

So why are heterosexual men supposed to be uncomfortable around homosexuals? How is that funny? I think homosexual men prancing about in dresses and leather pieces talking in an exaggerated lisp are funny. Homosexual men trying to do their own thing in the privacy of their home should be cheered and supported while the flaming queers trying to rub our faces in it by interrupting church services should be shot.

Carla Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM EST

Dear clueless members of the religious right: you won this round, so take a break from judging the rest of the human race for about 5 minutes, OKAY?????????

sasha rules Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

this man is an acting genius, he is perfection

Alan from Austin Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

PJ,

You need to lighten the heck up...seriously.

Rastus P. Riley Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Whoever said porking a guy 50 times a day in the butt...is bad for u?

PJ Blake Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 03:20 PM EST

This guy is such a loser, why does anyome even care?

In my opinion, his audience consists of 13-17 year old boys who like that type of humor.

You can't really take this moron serious, can you?

dax Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

Just for clarification: satin-a soft fabric.
Satan-fallen angel in hell.
Get it right people!

Cass Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

Yeah, it's jealousy. That's why people don't like me. Mommy said so.

John Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

gt Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST
Yes Sir, Satin sure does believe in God. You can count on that.

And those damn atheists wool and linen kicked his ass for it, criminals that they are

lovehim Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

CAss, I sense jealousy. This guy is hilarious! It's about time some one made fun of all these Hollywood morons!!

Cass Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

"Wow. This dude is ver-sa-tile."

Versatile??? This is just Gay Borat. You probably think Robin Williams is versatile, too.

jojo Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

Wow. This dude is ver-sa-tile. Might be somewhat on the annoying side, but as an actor, it's true, he's amazing. I'd be willing to bet a large percentage of the folks basing him in the comments don't recognize him from his work in films like Sweeney Todd or Talladega Nights, etc.

Sad that people had to bring up his sexuality here though - much less that of the article's author. More than I needed/wanted to know about either. What difference is that supposed to make?

me Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

who cares? why are you a bigot if flambouyent wackos bother you? I DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR PRIVATE LIFESTYLE CHOICES.

God Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

gt Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

Yes Sir, Satin sure does believe in God. You can count on that.

Troy Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Mike, you are a putz. Unfortunately you are evidence that satan does exist. Guess what, satan believes in God...


HAHAHA. The superstitious are entertaining tools.

gt Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

Yes Sir, Satin sure does believe in God. You can count on that.

Troy Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Mike, you are a putz. Unfortunately you are evidence that satan does exist. Guess what, satan believes in God...

GT Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Lex, you want some of this? Get your money out boy.

gt Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

yes AJ, Aids was made to address the gay community.

AJ Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

My mother raped me.

AJ Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:53 PM EST

I hate homos. I am a decent American and I will not stand for faggotry. I hate faggots and their big faggoty dicks which feel so good sliding down my throat!

Lauri Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

He is over. Time to move on and do something else. How about just acting? Borat was funny. Ali G---not funny. Bruno---not funny.

He's trying to make lightning strike twice . Won't work.

LEX Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

GT. Just please come out already. We all know it by now.

Matt Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

Not funny, eh? Rottentomatoes.com top critics gave Borat a 97% rating, that's huge. An idiot? He has a degree from CAMBRIDGE. Those of you so quick to pass judgment compose the element of society that Cohen loves to expose most. Pious liberal hypocrisy!

GT Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST

Fresno Mike.... go get married or something. LOLOLOL

GT Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

We could get a great Dane to pump old Sasha in his mouth and film it for Public TV. Now thats entertainment!

Fresno Mike Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

SBC ROCKS!!! I will be a fan as long as he keeps sharing his talent. SBC, if you're ever in Fresno, look me up, we'll go cause some distraction in this ho hum LIFE! Thanks for making me laugh and think! All you haters... try getting out of the rut and laugh at yourselves once in awhile. SBC is a genius.

GT Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

Someone should stuff his mesh shirt down his throat and sew his dick to his forehead. That way we will know who to be uncomfortable around. Up that fags ass...

Steve Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

SBC is not funny, and his schtick has gotten old fast. I can't wait to see him roughed up by a security guard that finds his interruptions to be annoying.

C.J. Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

OMG! I LOVE it! SBC has just infiltrated the EW comments board as his new character, the socially awkward homophobe "aj." Another classic character is born. I mean, who else but SBC could come up with a clenched up, dateless hunt 'n' pecker like "aj" who uses phrases like "bust your face open" and overcompensates for his inside deadness with too many LMAOs. Can't wait to see "aj" on the screen. May I suggest as part of "aj's" backstory an adolescent moletstation by a clown?

Mike Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:48 AM EST

Yes Aceinhole, we should all follow something just cause you claim it as fact yet there is no proof in this invisible character known as "god".

Ralph Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

"Sascha Baron Cohen is the modern-day Andy Kaufman"

Spot on. Neither one are funny.

Well... Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

If you don't like Sasha Baron Cohen, don't see his movies. If you do not like homo sex, don't have any. If you do not like same sex marriage, do not marry someone of your same sex. Life is much much better when you worry about yourself and stay away from the things/people that you don't like. It's how I've made it through life with the perils of brussel sprouts, crystal meth, and Celine Dion.

kenny the pig Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

the reason the US doesn't want HOMOs on juries is that they don't mind the gag rule.

The Dood Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

"There is nothing like watching homophobes shake in fear when confronted with a flamboyant gay man."
You're so ignorant. Straight guys aren't AFRAID of gays -- we just don't like them! Being disgusted is not the same as being afraid. The use of the word "homophobe" is a weak attempt by gays to make themselves sound powerful. We're not afraid of you. We just don't like you. Go away.

aj Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

"You gotta love the homophobes who spew their hate speech on this site without even realising that this site is written by a proud homosexual man"....
Youo're pathetic! LMAO! I hope you're not a parent. By the way, what kind of stupid statement was this>>"This site is by a proud homosexual".....really? First off, is that supposed to change anything?? Secondly, if that's what makes him "proud"....LMAO, great....that's a real accomplishment! Another thing...let someone like that come up to me and try to "make me uncomfortable!!!"uncomfortable"!! Pleeeeease! :) When I bust your face open...we'll all see just how "funny" you are!

Mike Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

We watched the Ali G Show for several years. Bruno was one of 3 recuring charactors on the show. The others being Borat and Ali G. My wife and I both thought that Bruno was the funniest of the bunch but he is by no means a new creation.

Michael Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

Sascha Baron Cohen is the modern-day Andy Kaufman: you just aren't sure whether or not he is in character or just a character.

Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

Phoebe: You think that a harmless (yes dear: Harmless!) comedian should be jailed for doing his job? Did you ever even HAVE a sense of decency yourself? I doubt it, for if you did, how could you have lost it, so very... thoroughly?

Jailing comedians is neither the height of decency, nor even its lowest point. Jailing comedians is INdecent. Phoebe! Go see a shrink!!

Court Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

You gotta love the homophobes who spew their hate speech on this site without even realising that this site is written by a proud homosexual man.

Can't wait to see the Bruno movie. There is nothing like watching homophobes shake in fear when confronted with a flamboyant gay man.

arcadian del sol Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

Medium is a weak performer, and this smells like a publicity stunt in which ALL parties participated. Look at the picture of the character Bruno - you seriously think this guy faked his way onto a tv show as a juror? What part of that ridiculous outfit would work in a court room drama?

Jay Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

Well i think Borat and SBC are hilarious. The news is more offensive than anything SBC does.

Phoebe Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

I find Cohen and is "characters" totally disgusting and inappropriate. NOT FUNNY. His hubris pranks are costly, hurtful and frankly, he should be thrown in jail and made to pay for his disturbances. Have we lost all sense of decency in this country?

David Arnold Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

Sacha panders to the lowest common denominator and the mental dregs of human kind. For those who like him all I can say is that your parents must be so proud.

newdayhippie Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

Who Cares... Medium Sucks, Borat was alittle funny, but wow you people just sit here and cry cry cry... SHUT UP!

Vex Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:31 AM EST

People don't know it's Sacha because he always is in a character. He spends more time in the press as Ali G, Borat or Bruno than he does himself...that is why no body knows who he is.

AJ Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

They/WE don't allow homosexuals to be on the jury because we (here in America) DON"T WANT HOMO"S HERE! We (the decent) won't stand for it...END OF STORY!

Lisle Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:44 AM EST

I don't get it. They do not allow homosexuals to be on the jury in the US? Why not?
L

justme1978 Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

Sacha keeps making movies in America because no one here knows who the he*# he is! He's a comedian in England, but over here he's a nobody. Poor Sacha. ;)

Aceinhole Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

What should a person do to get to Heaven? If you said, "There is no Heaven" or "You just have to live a good life",YOU ARE WRONG. Stay with me and find out why. Let's see if you've been a good person. Jesus said "Whoever looks with lust has committed adultery in their heart". Have you ever lusted? Have you hated anyone(committed murder in your heart)? Have you made a god in your mind to suit yourself(idolatry)? Have you used God's name in vain? Have you ever stolen anything regardless of value? If you have then you are a thief. If you have told just one lie, then you are a liar and CANNOT get into heaven. On Judgment Day you will be found guilty and end up in Hell forever. But that's not God's will. We broke his Law but because Jesus paid our fine by dying on the cross, God can forgive us. If you repent and trust the Savior, God will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life. So confess your sins to God today, put your faith in Christ, and obey God. Read John 14:21

Eric Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST

Is this really funny? I don't think so. Borat sucked, and this Dude isn't funny. Get a life.

eragon Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST

You, leave Bruno alone, this instant!

Rob Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:07 AM EST

Maybe Adolf was one of the rednecks that Cohen conned into going to a "dog fight" that turned out to be two guys oil wrestling! I can't wait to see this flick!

chimpy Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST

Snuck AND sneaked are the proper past tense form of SNEAK you nerd.

Aristotle Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

You will soon discover that Obama is actually Sacha Cohen's latest joke character.

Gracie G Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST

All about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ at anyone's expense. He's pond scum. I'm just waiting for his karma to catch up with him.

Sasha Cohen Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 08:28 AM EST

I think he is an annoying idiot. His movie was funny for the first half but the second half was a long snooze fest. Interupting people at their jobs particularly to make them look foolish is not cool. Get a real job already.

flhu Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 08:27 AM EST

Wait, Medium is still in production? I thought they were done with last season.

sims Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 06:35 AM EST

Is it so hard to use the proper past tense of the word "sneak"

SNEAKED not SNUCK

I am surprised that made it past the editor.

rad Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 06:22 AM EST

Bring back Ali-G

dj caffeine Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:33 AM EST

CANNOT WAIT 4 BRUNO!! SASCHA IS THE GREATEST THING EVER TO HAVE TO THE WORLD

chrisv Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 04:11 AM EST

Adolf:do you hate gays cause you're nazi or cause Bruno 'out-gayed' you? Borat is the best, he kicked adolf's a**

ollie Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 02:48 AM EST

oh what a yawn

DavidFSF Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:36 AM EST

I think SBCohen is brilliant but his Bruno character is just a f*g bashing waiting to happen. I'm dreading what's going to happen when this movie comes out.

Bruno Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 01:08 AM EST

This movie is going to be hilarious. I read about this on TheBrunoMovie.com Can't wait to see this in theaters.

Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 11:05 PM EST

Cohen is so funny, he makes me squirm but you got to step out of your comfort zone

Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 10:42 PM EST

Hopefully the movie will be more his real-life messing with people.. and less the scripted hollywood BS like the whole pamela anderson thing in Borat. this man is a genius. Been watching for years

dom Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

I miss Borat, but this will be funny too.

rbk Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 08:19 PM EST

Brilliant? Maybe once upon a time but...the guy's act is old now. Yawn.

mami Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

Sasha is the Man I do sooo love him!

AUSTRIA GAY TV! Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 07:01 PM EST

HAhaha If you've never seen that clip from ALI G, do yourself a favor and watch it on Youtube. HILARIOUS!! JUst search-- ALI G BRUNO SPRING BREAK...he makes fools out of a bunch of meatheads!!

HEY IGNORANUS'!!!!! Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 06:55 PM EST

You people who dont understand Sasha's humor, are the reason he makes each movie a success!! He's exposes the ignorance and stupidity in people by targeting their insecurities. On top of that, he's an amazing actor. If you've ever seen the Ali G show, chances are you were fooled for a bit that he played EACH character. He's absolutely brilliant, so muchso that he can antagonize someone enough to show their true colors. If you don't get it, YOU NEVER WILL

Rod Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

Mike, why don't you cross out the incorrect title rather than doing an asterisk?

Also, Medium airs on NBC, owned by GE, which owns Universal. Shouldn't be too hard to 'sneak in'.

HeyYou Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 06:27 PM EST

LMAO! Brilliant.

Anthony Cantu Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 06:05 PM EST

Hmmm, is this uprising of resentment against Baron Cohen a reverberation of that vast part of mainstream America that can't take a joke? Sure seems like it. Keep doing your thing, buddy. Can't wait for Bruno! I miss Ali G, though.

Annie Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 06:03 PM EST

I'm laughing my frikin' ass off right now.

Crystal Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 05:54 PM EST

H ...I .... LARIOUS

cranberry Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

God, that man is irritating. If it wasn't a setup by the network, I think he should be have to pay back the money it took having to refilm.

Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 04:37 PM EST

Austria Gay Tv!!??!!?

Tony Clifton Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 04:34 PM EST

I love how he just disappears into a character and messes with people. He's like a cross between Peter Sellers and Andy Kaufman. (If the producers of Medium weren't in on the joke, they've have filed suit by now. Also, I thought Medium had been cancelled a couple years ago.)

»

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