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18. 05. 09. - 12:00

Alfons Haider compared with Cohen´s gay fashion expert ´Brüno´

By Thomas Hochwarter

The UK media are comparing Austrian TV presenter Alfons Haider with the quirky film character Brüno as Sacha Baron Cohen’s new movie is set for release next month.

British papers claim Haider is regarded as "the real-life Brüno" in Austria. However, Vienna-born Haider is known as being deadly-serious and easily upset if he becomes the target of satire.

While Borat is Cohen’s latest in a string of odd characters, Haider regards himself as a serious and reliable TV showman and entertainer.

British actor Cohen caused controversy with his wannabe gangster Ali G., as well as with "Kazakh TV presenter" Borat. Brüno is a gay Austrian fashion expert and TV host. The film "Brüno" will be in cinemas on 10 July.

Haider, 52, came out of the closet years ago but said recently he would not have done so had he a choice again since doing so had labelled him despite that a majority of people reacted to his announcement in a relaxed way.

Haider, who presented the recent production of the TV show "Dancing Stars", has not yet commented on the Brüno comparison.

Austrian Times

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