La Toya Jackson Scene Restored on Brüno DVD

Wunderbar!

Brüno, the preening, Austrian celebrity wannabe created by Sacha Baron Cohen, finally gets to meet singer La Toya Jackson when Brüno is released on DVD on November 17th.

After the sudden death of Michael Jackson, a scene in which Cohen, disguised as the flamboyant Brüno, conducts an outrageous interview with an unsuspecting La Toya was hastily cut from the film. The scene, removed before the theatrical release, earlier had been viewed by critics and test audiences.

In the 90-second comic scene, now included as an extra on the Brüno DVD, La Toya, 53, arrives at a hilltop house in Los Angeles to be interviewed by Brüno, an alleged Austrian TV infotainment star. She fails to recognize Cohen, the British-born star of Borat, beneath his disguise and heavy accent.

Cohen welcomes her into a room devoid of furniture, having her to sit on the back of a near-naked Hispanic laborer, who is kneeling on the floor on all fours. La Toya perches awkwardly and giggles, "It's like being on a horse, isn't it?" She then joins her host in delicately chop sticking sushi off the stomach of a second, also near-naked man, who has been wheeled into the room lying on a gurney.

It is only when Cohen borrows La Toya's cell phone, combs through it looking for Michael's phone number and then yells the number out in faux German for an assistant to jot down that La Toya halts the interview and storms out. As her car drives away, Cohen yells plaintively, "La Toya, come back. Can you at least get me Jermaine?"

Terrorists Threaten Sacha Baron Cohen

The terrorist group al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades has issued a statement that includes a veiled threat against Sacha Baron Cohen.

The Martyrs’ Brigades are upset over being featured in Baron Cohen’s film, “Bruno.”

“We reserve the right to respond in the way we find suitable against this man,” the group said in a statement to WorldNet reporter Aaron Klein. “The movie was part of a conspiracy against the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades.”

The al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades is a coalition of secular Palestinian nationalist militias in the West Bank. The group’s name refers to the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Baron Cohen is taking the threat seriously and has stepped up security for himself and his family.

In the film, “Bruno” meets with Ayman Abu Aita — the leader of the Martyrs’ Brigades, and tries to get himself kidnapped.

“This was a dirty use of our brother, Ayman, and we don’t accept that the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades is part of the film.”

Ayman Abu Aita is also preparing legal action against the Bruno star and Universal Studios. “This joke is very dangerous. We are not in the United States, we are not in Europe, we are in the Middle East and the world operates differently here,” he said.

Sacha Baron Cohen Puts Bruno to Bed

Sacha Baron Cohen is preparing to hang up his hot pants - he is waving goodbye to his Bruno character once he has finished promoting the movie.

Cohen's outrageous new big screen outing sees him play a gay Austrian fashionista, and the comedy star has stayed in character for almost all public appearances and interviews promoting the movie.

The Borat star confesses he is sad that his time as Bruno is coming to an end, but he knows he can no longer trick people with the character now the film has been released.

He says, "It's wonderful that the films are successful, but every new person who sees the movie is one less person I can be Borat or Bruno with again, so finishing a movie means having to say goodbye. Admitting that you're never going to play the character again is like saying goodbye to a loved one. And that's hard."

"Bruno" Sashays to the Top Spot at US Box Office

"Bruno," British satirist Sacha Baron Cohen's latest subversive outing, narrowly claimed the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office in North America, according to studio estimates issued on Sunday.

The "mockumentary," in which Baron Cohen plays a gay Austrian fashion model seeking fame in the United States, sold $30.4 million worth of tickets during the three days beginning July 10th, distributor Universal Pictures said.

But the film lost 39 percent of its audience from Friday to Saturday, a hefty drop given that movies usually see an uptick in that period.

Rival studios pounced on the slide, forecasting "Bruno" would have a short run in theaters. But Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco said such a dip "was not unusual in summer."

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" held steady at No. 2 with $28.5 million, taking the 12-day haul for 20th Century Fox's prehistoric cartoon to $120.6 million. The film was the top draw internationally over the weekend, with $98 million from 102 markets. Its total foreign haul stands at $327 million.

Last weekend's North American champion, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," slipped to No. 3 with $24.2 million. After 19 days, Paramount Pictures' robot sequel has earned $339.2 million in North America, easily the biggest movie of the year. Its international haul rose to $364.5 million.

The one other new entry was Fox's teen romantic comedy "I Love You, Beth Cooper," starring Hayden Panettiere in the title role. It came in at No. 7 with $5 million, in line with the studio's modest expectations.

The opening for "Bruno" was also in line with the forecasts of Universal Pictures, a General Electric Co unit, which paid independent producer Media Rights Capital $42.5 million for distribution rights in North America and eight foreign territories. Media Rights declined to disclose the budget.

Baron Cohen's previous release, the similarly outrageous "Borat," opened with $26.5 million in November 2006. But that was from about 800 theaters, while "Bruno" played in 2,756 theaters. "Borat" ended up with $128.5 million in North America and an additional $133 million internationally.

Universal said "Bruno" earned $20 million from the eight international markets, led by No. 1 bows in Britain ($8.1 million) and Australia ($6.1 million).

"Bruno" faced a similar storm of controversy as "Borat."

In the new film, Baron Cohen's character sashays across the American landscape, piling on the homosexual activity for unsuspecting co-stars and a squeamish audience. Critics mostly liked the movie, while gay-rights groups were mixed in their reactions.

Both films were directed by Larry Charles, a former writer/producer on "Seinfeld."

Exit data provided by Universal indicated that men made up 56 percent of the "Bruno" audience in North America, in line with the turnout for "Borat."

But this time, 54 percent of moviegoers were aged 25 and older, while 53 percent of the "Borat" crowd was aged under 25. Both films were rated "R" in the United States, requiring moviegoers under 17 to be accompanied by an adult.

Universal's Rocco said the film would be "very profitable" for the studio, which picked up the rights before "Borat" was released.

Bruno Presents David Letterman's "Top 10"

Sacha Baron Cohen count's down the Top 10 reasons why we should all watch his latest movie, Bruno at the David Letterman show.

Sacha Baron Cohen Crashes Bruno Screening

Cinemagoers watching a late night New York screening of outrageous new comedy Bruno got more than they bargained for - when the character's mastermind Sacha Baron Cohen gatecrashed the movie.

Film fans were stunned as Cohen, in the role of his gay Austrian fashionista creation, stormed into Times Square's AMC Empire cinema dressed in a silver uniform and revealing red thong.

Running down the aisles, Cohen high-fived revellers and knocked glasses off people's faces before jumping on to a podium and treating the audience to an x-rated pole dance.

And in true Bruno form, Cohen didn't hold back with his comments.

According to New York Gossip Column Page Six, Cohen shouted, "Let's hope that this film realises its full global potential! Let's hope it doesn't have like a really promising start and then peter out like swine flu did! Let's hope that, like herpes, this film continues to infect all of you."

And Cohen couldn't help but try and offend the ticket-holders who had turned out to watch his latest cringe-inducing movie.

He added, "It's like a Benetton ad in here. New York City, the cultural melting pot. You've even got black guys here. I'm a chocoholic."

Bruno Makes the Cover of OUT

So Bruno, the new Sacha Baron Cohen comedy, is finally coming out today. It feels like the movie has been out for months, based on all of the public appearances from Sacha throughout the world.

OUT magazine has an interview with Cohen in character as Bruno, the over-the-top gay Austrian fashion reporter. Here are a few questions and answers:

You are one of Austria’s top fashion reporters and now, with the release of your film, you’re about to become a global superstar. Where did it all begin?
Ich have alvays been incredibly fabulous — in ze first ultrasound picture ever taken of me in mein mutter’s womb, you can clearly see zat I’d taken ze umbilical cord und wrapped it round my waist with a knot at ze side, like a Marc Jacobs snakeskin serpentine belt.

So you always just knew that you would become Austrian Gay TV’s Brüno?
From ze minute I vas born, ich vas destined to be Brüno. Instead of drinking baby milk formula, ich used to snort ze powder. Most babies’ first vords are “mama” or “dada” — Brüno’s vere, “I’m gay­ — get über it.”

Let’s talk about the film. What do you hope audiences come away with?
If zey’re hot black guys, ich am hoping zat zey’ll come away upshtehen!

What does the movie say about fashion?
You know ze song zat says “it doesn’t matter vat you wear, just as long as you are zere”? Vell, mein movie says pretty much exactly ze opposite of zat. You know it makes me so angry, ze lack of respect fashion gets. Did you know zat not one world war has ever been started by a model? People should think about that.

Pick up the August 2009 issue of OUT for the complete Bruno interview.

Brüno Falls into Matt Lauer's Embrace

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Somehow, it just seemed pre-destined that Austrian fashionista Brüno would end up in Matt Lauer's arms.

The fateful contact took place Thursday during a free-wheeling Today show interview in which Sacha Baron Cohen's flamboyant alter ego, in his silver lamé jumpsuit, demanded a hug from the handsome morning host. Problem was, the segment (see video) had already faded to blackout before the moment could be shared with viewers.

The entire incident had been sparked by Lauer's informing Brüno that the Austrian Minister to Great Britain had called for a boycott of the film Brüno – which happens to open Friday. Apparently, the minister doesn't appreciate how the movie represents Austria.

"This is the first I'm hearing of this," said a teary-eyed Brüno, who declared it a private moment – and asked for a close-up.

Star Sighting: Call the Fashion Police on Bruno

He's back – and he's fabulous! Arriving stateside, Bruno, a.k.a. Sacha Baron Cohen, hops to it at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City for an appearance Tuesday on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Is There a 'Real' Brüno?

It looks like Brüno, Sacha Baron Cohen's over-the-top gay character, isn't as outrageous a fabrication as you may think. There's a debate raging in Austria right now over who the "real Brüno" could be, and there is not one but two contenders.

Alfons Haider is the front runner. A deliciously theatrical 51-year-old entertainer – actor, cabaret star, reality show host, singer – thinks the discussion is a hoot. "Aren't we a funny country? It's like there's no recession or other problems in the world. Here the press is worried about who the real Brüno is."

In between rehearsals for the premiere of La Cage aux Folles at the Stockerau Theater Festival (he plays Zaza and the costume is to die for!) and preparing to host Starnacht, (Night of the Stars) an annual musical variety extravaganza, the performer laments he doesn't even have time to see Brüno.

As for the resemblance, he told People, "I only have four things in common with Brüno: I'm a man, an Austrian, I'm on television, and I'm gay – that's it. But if the world wants me to be the inspiration for Brüno, well then, I'll be Brüno. It's all pretty funny." He also has a theory about being Brüno's inspiration, adding, "Nine years ago, Sacha Baron Cohen studied in Austria for a year. Since I've done over 800 television shows in the past 15 years, I can't rule out the possibility that he may have seen one of my shows."

The only problem with Haider: he's not into fashion. Enter "Brüno" number two. Adi Weiss, a 33-year-old Vienna-based fashion journalist who, although still new to television, fits the rest of the bill. Weiss is hardly as flamboyant as Brüno – he told People that he is "the most down-to-earth fashion journalist you'll ever meet" – but he is having fun with his new notoriety, too.

After being "outed" on an Austrian entertainment broadcast as Brüno's inspiration, Adi dashed off a column proclaiming how pleased he was the the truth was now out, adding that he needed "PR for my [drag] show, Miss Fluffy." The joke about a parody lingerie line, he admits, has gotten out of control. "It snowballed and I've been asked about 'Miss Fluffy' so often that I may have to put on a show after all," he told People.

As far as Weiss is concerned, though, Brüno is utterly a figment of his creator's imagination. "I think he is obsessed with maps and was probably wondering one day what the most unlikely country for a hip fashion scene would be. He could just as easily have picked Liechtenstein," said Weiss. Then again, Liechtenstein isn't known for Lederhosen, one of Brüno's key fashion statements.

Which begs the question: What does the style guy Weiss think of Brüno's looks? "I think the way he stages every appearance with splashy outfits is just sensational." Even the Lederhosen? "Oh yes," says Weiss, laughing. "They're hot right now. For a few years, Austrian men tried to get away from the image of wearing Lederhosen and yodeling on their merry way. But that has changed – the shriller the better."

Star Sighting: Bruno in Shining Armor

Sacha Baron Cohen is a knight in shining armor as his alter ego Bruno at the premiere of his comedy of the same name at the State Theatre on Monday in Sydney, Australia.

Bruno Gives Conan O'Brien a Lap Dance

You gotta hand it to Sacha Baron Cohen, he certainly does live and breathe his characters! Here are some clips of Cohen visiting The Tonight Show where he gave host Conan O’Brien a lap dance on national television!

Star Sighting: Bruno Gets Tanked

Ready, aim, fire – Capt. Brüno is reporting for duty! While taking a ride on a bedazzled military tank, Sacha Baron Cohen – in character as his flamboyant character – shows off yet another outrageous ensemble Thursday at the Los Angeles premiere of his comedy, which hits theaters July 10.

Star Sighting: Bruno...In A Flash!

A new day means a new outrageous getup! A, ahem, cheeky Brüno – a.k.a. Sacha Baron Cohen – has a peekaboo moment with his red G-string in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during a promotional event for his comedy – which opens in the U.S. on July 10th.

Star Sighting: Bruno's World Tour

Sacha Baron Cohen – a.k.a., flamboyant fashion reporter Brüno – arrives in style for the premiere of his latest film at Leicester Square in London on Wednesday. Cohen also stayed in character on the July cover of GQ – for which he posed naked!

And the flamboyant stunts continue! Brüno indulges his wild side in a furry bull costume at the Spanish premiere of his film – which opens in the U.S. on July 10th – at the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on Thursday.

Star Sighting: Bootylicious Bruno

He's got legs! Brüno, a.k.a. Sacha Baron Cohen, gets bootylicious with some back-up models before the Paris premiere of his new comedy on Monday. The flamboyant film is set to hit U.S. theaters on July 10th.

Who Has the Hotter Nude GQ Cover?

Talk about revealing! Sacha Baron Cohen is giving Jennifer Aniston a run for her money with the release of his nude GQ cover.

The controversial actor, who stripped down for the magazine's July comedy issue, posed as his flamboyant fashionista alter ego Brüno with nothing but a short-shorts tan line on his derriére.

It was only in December that Aniston posed for a similar cover, rocking nothing more than a necktie and a smile for the men's style magazine.

Of the January 2009 cover, she said, "I wasn't trying to make any kind of statement!"

Sacha Baron Cohen Offends Gay Rights Groups

Bruno, the latest film creation from comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, has been met with complaints from gay rights groups.

Baron Cohen has said the character of Bruno, dressed in string vests and leather underwear, is intended to expose hypocrisy by using gay stereotypes.

The film follows the TV journalist as he attempts to be 'cured' of his homosexuality in order to further his career.

However, some gay groups have called the film offensive, saying it may reinforce homophobia.

Rashad Robinson, of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, told the Independent: "Some people in our community may like this movie, but many are not going to be OK with it.

"Sacha Baron Cohen's well-meaning attempt at satire is problematic in many places and outright offensive in others."

This was echoed by the Human Rights Campaign, which said: "We strongly feel that Sacha Baron Cohen and Universal Pictures have a responsibility to remind the viewing public right there in the theatre that this is intended to expose homophobia."

Last week, it was revealed that Sir Elton John had declined a request to allow his track 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' to be used in a cage-fighting scene which ends in two men kissing.

According to the New York Times, Sir Elton "learned of the scene's particulars and blanched" but allowed another track of his to be played in another part of the film.

In a statement issued this week, Universal Pictures, which financed the project, said that Bruno "uses provocative comedy to powerfully shed light on the absurdity of many kinds of intolerance and ignorance, including homophobia.

"By placing himself in radical and risky situations, Sacha Baron Cohen forces both the people Bruno meets and the audience itself to challenge their own stereotypes, preconceptions and discomforts. We believe the overwhelming majority of the audience will understand and appreciate the film's unarguably positive intentions."

Two weeks ago, Baron Cohen staged an elaborate joke at the MTV awards which involved him, dressed as Bruno, being lowered onto the head of rap star Eminem.

There was much speculation whether Eminen, who stormed out of the show, was involved in the stunt. MTV head writer Scott Aukerman later confirmed the pair had rehearsed the scene.

Eminem Admits: I Was Involved in Brüno Stunt

Three days after storming out of the MTV Movie Awards, Eminem is setting the record straight about what exactly happened that night between him and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen: It was all a gag.

"I'm thrilled that we pulled this off better than we rehearsed it," the rapper, 36, tells RapRadar about his altercation with the actor, who was dressed as his flamboyant character Brüno. "It had so many people going 'nuts' so to speak. Everyone was blowing me up about it."

Eminem walked out of the awards show on Sunday after Cohen – as Brüno dressed in wings and a thong – landed face down in his lap. Reps for MTV, Cohen and Eminem had no comment at the time on whether or not the act was planned.

So how exactly did the two brainstorm the stunt?

"Sacha called me when we were in Europe and he had an idea to do something outrageous at the Movie Awards," says Eminem. "I'm a big fan of his work so I agreed to get involved with the gag."

Eminem has had altercations in the past – including a scuffle with the puppet, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002. But at this year's Movie Awards, the rapper was merely playing off his image as a tough guy.

"After the ceremony I went back to my hotel and laughed uncontrollably for about three hours," he adds. "Especially after I saw it on air."

Star Sighting: Bruno, He's Wild

He's fierce! Bruno, aka Sacha Baron Cohen, works his best angle Sunday at the MTV Movie Awards at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.

But Cohen definitely didn't make a friend in Eminem, who stormed out of the show after the comedian, dressed as his flamboyant Austrian character in angel wings and a thong, descended on wires and landed face down in the rapper's lap.