Brüno hits Amsterdam

From MAil onLine

 Sacha Baron Cohen, dressed as a gay fashion reporter, promotes his film Brüno in the red light district of Amsterdam

Showing off his red thong and toned stomach, Brüno’s jetski canal arrival in Amsterdam was predictably over the top.

The camp fashion designer alter ego of comedian Sacha Baron Cohen chose the city’s red light district for a photo call ahead of the Dutch premiere of his film this evening.

But even as he was cavorting with a clutch of beefy semi-naked male models, concerns were being raised about the film – and whether it could be seen as offensive to the gay community.

Claims have been made that producers were forced to undertake ‘significant reshoots’ after preview audiences reacted angrily.

Universal Pictures declined to confirm or deny the reports.

However, in a statement, the studio said the ‘overwhelming majority of the audience’ would understand that the film seeks to lampoon homophobia.

The character is supposed to send up the ignorance and intolerance of the real-life individuals he meets on his trip to the U.S.

But he has instead been accused of promoting gay stereotypes.

Rashad Robinson, of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said: ‘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.’

He isn’t alone in his views.