Ed Sheeran Reacts As Ali G Pokes Fun At Him In New Sacha Baron Cohen Film

British singer Ed Sheeran has reacted with amusement after being singled out by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s infamous character Ali G in the trailer for his upcoming film, Ali G: Who Iz I?

The film, scheduled to hit cinemas on October 23, marks the return of Ali G more than two decades after the character’s last feature film appearance.

In the trailer, Ali G reflects on events that unfolded during his absence, mentioning wars, the COVID-19 pandemic and Sheeran before introducing the premise of the film.

Rather than taking the reference as an insult, Sheeran described it as an honour, recalling his childhood admiration for the character.

“Tell 10-year-old me that Ali G would put him in his movie,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram, adding Ali G’s trademark misspelling, “Restecpa.”

The film follows Ali G as he returns to the public eye and discovers that his girlfriend, played by Morgana Robinson, is pregnant. Cohen also directs the feature, marking his first time directing an Ali G film himself.

The project was reportedly kept largely secret during production, with Cohen even appearing in character at Wimbledon without revealing that he was filming.

However, the trailer has also attracted criticism in the UK, with some objecting to Ali G’s appearance, including the character’s dreadlocked wig and Rasta-style hat, which critics say rely on racial stereotypes.

Ali G was one of Cohen’s earliest and most recognisable creations before he went on to develop characters including Borat and Brüno and take on more conventional acting roles.