Cohen has been accused of participating in an alleged attack to gay cameraman Mike Skiff when the star and his Bruno Productions members shot 'Bruno' in 2008 Proposition 8 demonstration.
- October 27, 2010
AceShowbiz -
Sacha Baron Cohen has now faced a lawsuit. The "Sweeney Todd" actor has been sued by gay cameramen named Mike Skiff, being accused of participating in an alleged attack during a gay marriage demonstration in Los Angeles back in 2008, Radar Online reported.
In the lawsuit, Skiff said he was photographing a Proposition 8 demonstration in Los Angeles on November 8 that year when Cohen's production company, Bruno Productions, were also at the rally as they shot "Bruno".
"In order to create dramatic content for it's production, Bruno Productions' intent was to promote violent discord between the assembled yes and no factions," the legal papers read. "In start contrast with the 'ultra gay' 'Bruno' character, members of the crew of Bruno Productions carried 'Yes On Proposition 8' signs contrived for the sole purpose of inciting and sparking unrest to enhance the dramatic effect of what they may capture on film."
In the suit, Skiff also claimed crew members approached him, "violently confronting (Skiff) with the threat of being clubbed with wooden signs." Skiff believed that his civil rights were violated, adding he "was injured in his health, strength, and activity, sustaining injury to his body and shock and injury to his nervous system and person, all of which injuries causes and continue to cause Plaintiff great physical, mental, and emotion pain and suffering."
Skiff claimed the Bruno crew did the alleged assault to prevent him from capturing anything on his camera. In the documents, Skiff is seeking at least $25,000 in punitive damages, as well as reimbursement for medical expenses and general damages.
Skiff has since posted a video on YouTube in which Cohen is seen appearing around the 5:25 mark:
