Cohen's 'Dictator' brings gold pistol, sexy body guards to premiere

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Comedian and actor Sasha Baron Cohen appeared in character Thursday at the world premiere of "The Dictator," in London, sporting the military uniform and bushy black beard of fake North African dictator General Aladeen -- a spoof on despots like Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi.

Baron Cohen's General Aladeen arrived in an orange Lamborghini atop a tow truck. Flanked by stoic-faced models in skimpy military regalia, Aladeen walked down the red carpet waving a gold-plated replica pistol, which he later pointed at Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed.

General Aladeen is the freedom-hating dictator of the fictional Republic of Wadiya, who heads to the United Nations in New York City to discuss his nuclear program.

The film is marketing itself as, "The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed."

When asked to comment on President Obama's recent support of same-sex marriage, General Aladeen said, "Well in Wadiya we do not have any gays, although sometimes we do sex activity with men but not for, er, just for the pleasure."

He added, "But I am very happy because yesterday Nicholas Clegg and David Cameron re-newed their vows and now they are the world's most famous gay couple," the Telegraph reported.

"By the way Angela Merkel you need to look after your appearance," Aladeen told German reporters. "I think Merkel would be more successful if Merkel has a sex change and becomes a woman."

The 40-year-old Baron Cohen has plied his trade developing offbeat and offensive characters like Kazak journalist "Borat" and flamboyant fashion show host "Brüno."

True to his penchant for promoting his characters as real people, General Aladeen even has a website, www.republicofwadiya.com and a Twitter account, @RepublicWadiya.

One recent Tweet reads: "Chavez, Ahmadinejad and Jong-un, I had my trailer translated so it can be seen by the six people with internet access in your countries!"

"The Dictator" opens to wide release May 16.