A Satirical Experiment Like No Other

Since its debut in 2018, Who Is America? became one of the most provocative television shows of recent times. Created by Sacha Baron Cohen, the satirical program featured a cast of fictional characters who, through interviews and pranks, exposed the contradictions, hypocrisies, and absurdities of the American political and cultural landscape. With his signature chameleonic style, Baron Cohen managed to deceive politicians, celebrities, and ordinary citizens, producing moments of sheer disbelief and second-hand embarrassment.

One of the most memorable characters was Gio Monaldo, a supposed Italian billionaire and fashion photographer. With his flamboyant style and questionable morals, Monaldo was a satire of the superficial jet set and hollow philanthropy. Through this character, Baron Cohen not only highlighted the shallowness of certain social circles but also conducted interviews that went down in entertainment and investigative journalism history.

The O.J. Simpson Interview and Other Unforgettable Moments

One of the most shocking episodes of Who Is America? featured Gio Monaldo interviewing O.J. Simpson. In the segment, Baron Cohen, disguised as the eccentric billionaire, attempted to get Simpson to confess his involvement in the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. With a cynical tone, Monaldo made insinuating and macabre comments while Simpson, visibly comfortable, played along. This moment demonstrated how the former football player could joke about a tragedy that remains a point of contention in American public opinion.

However, the Simpson interview was far from the only controversial moment in the show. Who Is America? also exposed various politicians, including Roy Moore, a former judge and Senate candidate from Alabama, whom Baron Cohen tricked into participating in a fake “pedophile detector” test. In another episode, former congressman Joe Walsh agreed to record a video promoting firearms for young children, showing just how easily some politicians would endorse questionable proposals without much thought.

The Interview That Even the FBI Didn’t Investigate

One of the darkest and most censored moments of Who Is America? was an interview that never aired. Sacha Baron Cohen revealed that, on one occasion, Gio Monaldo interviewed a hotel concierge in Las Vegas, making him believe that he needed “help” accessing underage children for nefarious purposes. Baron Cohen’s intention was to expose corruption and the lack of scruples in certain individuals, expecting the concierge to react with disgust. However, what actually happened was even more disturbing: the interviewee not only failed to show any shock but even offered to connect Baron Cohen with “a contact” who could assist him.

The comedian was so appalled by the response that he turned over the recording to the FBI, hoping that an investigation would follow. However, according to Baron Cohen, the federal agency decided not to pursue any action. This incident raises troubling questions about the impunity of certain sectors and the extent to which official investigations cover severe crimes.

The decision not to air the interview was also based on ethical and creative concerns. Unlike other segments of the show, which aimed to generate humor from hypocrisy and the poor judgment of interviewees, this scene had implications that were too serious and disturbing. Baron Cohen himself admitted that the material was “too dark and inappropriate” to be shown to the public.

Sacha Baron Cohen (right), in character as the Israeli pro-gun advocate Colonel Erran Morad, with Philip Van Cleave (left) (Showtime)
Sacha Baron Cohen (right), in character as the Israeli pro-gun advocate Colonel Erran Morad, with Philip Van Cleave (left) (Showtime)

Why Who Is America? Didn’t Continue Beyond One Season

Despite its massive impact, Who Is America? lasted only one season. The decision to end the show was primarily driven by two factors: the show’s high-risk nature and the increasing difficulty of deceiving public figures after its explosive debut.

Baron Cohen’s method relies on anonymity and his ability to take on new identities without being recognized. However, after the show gained notoriety, many politicians and public figures became more cautious, making it almost impossible to replicate the same level of deception. Additionally, the show received backlash from several high-profile individuals who were tricked into participating, some even threatening legal action. Former vice president Dick Cheney, for example, was infamously duped into signing a “waterboarding kit,” a moment that remains one of the show’s most controversial stunts.

Another reason was the intense pressure and security risks that came with each prank. In various interviews, Baron Cohen revealed that some of the encounters on Who Is America? put him in physical danger. One notable example was his interaction with gun rights activists, where his character attempted to get them to support arming toddlers. In another instance, he barely escaped from a rally where he posed as a far-right musician before being chased off stage by an angry crowd.

Furthermore, the show required extensive legal vetting and careful planning to avoid lawsuits. Each episode involved high levels of secrecy, logistical coordination, and layers of deception, making production extremely complex and costly. Given the amount of effort needed for just one season, Baron Cohen ultimately decided to retire the show, stating that it was no longer feasible to continue without compromising its core premise.

Who Is America? and Its Political and Cultural Legacy

Although short-lived, Who Is America? left an indelible mark on television and political culture. The show not only exposed how easily people can be manipulated but also sparked discussions about the responsibility of political leaders and the lack of integrity in various sectors of society. The censored interview with the Las Vegas concierge remains a chilling reminder that reality can sometimes be far more horrifying than anything that can be shown on television.

Baron Cohen remains a master of satire and provocation, but Who Is America? proved that his work extends beyond comedy—it is also a form of exposure and social critique. Perhaps the biggest question the show leaves us with is not how he managed to fool so many, but rather how so many public figures were willing to reveal their worst selves on camera without even realizing it.

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