'Borat' actor gives church $100K after member shown in film
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who stars in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” donated $100,000 to the church of a woman who believed she was taking part in a documentary but instead was being featured in the mockumentary comedy film.
Jeanise Jones, 62, thought she had been recruited by her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, in Oklahoma City to mentor a teenager named “Tutar” who came to the U.S. with her father from a developing nation. But Jones didn't find out until the film was released on Amazon Prime last week that “Tutar" was an actress and the man she believed was her father was Cohen.
Rev. Derrick Scobey, the church's senior pastor, said Cohen made the donation on Wednesday. Scobey and other church members also were not aware of the movie.
Scobey wasn’t surprised by the donation, just the amount. He said the money has been earmarked for community use, The Oklahoman reported. Scobey added that Cohen knew the church is a community hub where people gather for spiritual hope and help.
A representative for Cohen declined comment when contacted by The Associated Press.
The movie follows Borat Sagdiyev, portrayed by Cohen, as he returns to America from Kazakhstan, with his daughter portrayed by Maria Bakalova, to offer a “bribe” to American leaders. It is a sequel to “Borat," which was released in 2006.
After the film’s debut, many on Twitter described Jones’ character as the movie’s hero, moral compass and breakout star. But she's simply relieved that “Tutar” was never in trouble.
Jones has not yet seen the movie, but she said one of the producers called to check on her after the film released. Cohen contacted her on Wednesday, Jones said, adding that the call was “enlightening."
Scobey started a GoFundMe account...