UPDATE: This stunt may have been staged. -- If you didn't know, Sacha Baron Cohen's cinematic follow-up to his hugely successful, hilarious and offensive 'Borat' is coming out in July. It's called 'Bruno,' and Baron Cohen's promotion of his latest alter ego provided a startling moment during last night's MTV Movie Awards. In fact, I have to say, Eminem was a model of restraint when Baron Cohen, dressed as Bruno, came down from an aerial stunt and landed head first in Eminem's lap with his practically naked butt pushed into Em's face. Did you see that? Watch:
For the most part, I appreciate Baron Cohen's brand of humor, although I also recognize the mean streak in it. Sometimes I find myself laughing out loud while squirming uncomfortably. Baron Cohen thrives on poking fun at the narrow world views of unsuspecting people. In the trailer for 'Bruno,' we see Baron Cohen take on the fashion industry, homophobia and celebrity interracial adoption. Click here to see it.
Since Baron Cohen's latest character is the flamboyantly gay fashion reporter Bruno, it is likely that Eminem was targeted not only because so much attention was on the 'Relapse' performer, but also because of his reputation as a "tough guy" homophobe.
My take? I think it was nasty on Baron Cohen's part. I may not be a fan of Eminem's work, but I respect that he has been very vocal as of late about struggling to overcome a drug addiction and his desire to live life more healthfully. (It was Elton John who convinced Eminem to get help.) I think the message of recovery and living positively is one that many, if not all, of Eminem's young fans need to hear, and I'm disappointed that it was overshadowed by a sideshow showdown with Bruno.
Eminem, don't bite. It was a lame publicity stunt. Keep moving on your path.
