Ali G Returns in 'Ali G: Who Iz I?' as Critics Renew Racism Claims

Sacha Baron Cohen's iconic Ali G character makes a comeback in theaters this Friday with the release of Ali G: Who iz I?, a follow-up to the 2002 film Ali G Indahouse. In this new installment, Ali G discovers that his girlfriend Julie is eight months pregnant and embarks on a journey to America to interview figures such as physicist Alan Lightman and retired General C Stewart Rodeheaver. The film's promotion included a lookalike contest attracting over 300 fans and a viral moment at Wimbledon. Critics like Jordan Stephens and Labour MP Paulette Hamilton labeled the character as racist, while Baron Cohen contended that his characters highlight prejudice. Writer Colton Dunn defended Ali G as an anti-racist tool, despite protests during the 2002 premiere, with social psychologist Amy Kean deeming such characters outdated.