Sacha Baron Cohen‘s new film Grimsby features a bit about New York City real estate mogul-turned-presidential candidate Donald Trump contracting HIV.

Donald Trump In ‘Grimsby’

Towards the end of Grimsby, there’s a scene in which it’s revealed that Trump gets HIV in a bizarre mishap. Though the film hasn’t opened yet in the U.S., it has premiered in the U.K., where audiences are relishing the faux plight of the divisive Republican presidential frontrunner. The British press has noted that during screenings of the film, moviegoers have cheered, clapped and even given a standing ovation for the crack on Trump.

It was reported last week that Sony, wary of the litigious billionaire, had limited its marketing for the movie for fear of Trump seeking retribution for the gag. In one preemptive measure, the film features a disclaimer that notes that Trump did not participate in the making of Grimsby.

According to a Sony source, the studio, which previously ran into trouble with James Franco and Seth Rogen‘s The Interview, is fearful of angering Trump. “If you were told that they’re shying away from the movie because of the political implications, I can tell you that’s 100 percent true,” a source told The Huffington Post.

It was also reported that Sony was frustrated with Cohen having final authority on the film, disallowing them from cutting any scenes they might deem inappropriate – including the one about Trump. Sony spokesperson Jean Guerin says that’s not true.

“The report of a dispute with the filmmaker is absolutely ridiculous,” said Guerin. “We are 100 percent supportive of the filmmaker and the film.”

Incidentally, this is not the first time that Cohen has targeted Trump. Back in 2003, when Cohen was channeling rapper Ali G, he interviewed an unamused Trump about his idea to launch a line of gloves to be worn while consuming ice cream.

Perhaps still miffed about the gag, Trump went on the offensive against Cohen on behalf of Ryan Seacrest when the former, clad as The Dictator, made a mess of the latter’s tuxedo at the Oscars. “Believe me if that had happened to someone with real security, Sacha Baron Cohen would not be in good shape right now,” said Trump, who is leading the GOP presidential candidates in the primary contests. “He would be in hospital, he would have been punched in the face so many times, he wouldn’t have known what happened.”

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Article by Chelsea Regan

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