‘Bruno’ tightens security after alleged threat

NEW YORK (JTA) — Jewish comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has increased his security detail after a Palestinian terrorist group allegedly threatened him.

World Net Daily claimed to receive a statement from the Al Aksa Martyrs’ Brigade Monday threatening the British entertainer for the inclusion of one of its members in his most recent film, "Bruno."

"We reserve the right to respond in the way we find suitable against this man," the group was quoted as saying, referring to Cohen. "The movie was part of a conspiracy against the Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades."

Playing Bruno, a flamboyant gay Austrian television newsman, Cohen interviews Ayman Abu Aita, identified as a leader of the Palestinian terrorist group. At one point the character beseeches Aita to take him hostage, saying "I want to be famous. I want the best guys in the business to kidnap me. Al-Qaida is so 2001."

The British Telegraph reported Monday that Cohen had increased security around him in response to the threat.

Aita has said he is no longer involved in the organization.

Cohen first became famous for his character Ali G, a rapper-turned-television host known for his unusual style of interviews. He achieved worldwide fame in 2006 after the release of "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," in which he interviewed people in the character of a mustachioed journalist from the central Asian republic.

Cohen discussed interviewing Aita on the "Late Show with David Letterman."