The Queen ‘infected with HIV’ in Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film
Sacha Baron Cohen has reportedly penned a scene in which the Queen contracts HIV for his latest film.
The Borat star is currently filming Grimsby – which tabloids report will include the controversial moment.
The Monarch will contract HIV after being splattered with blood from an assassinated child – leading some HIV campaigners to slam the apparent poor understanding of the way HIV is transmitted.
Suzi Price of the National AIDS Trust said: “HIV can only be passed on by blood if it enters an open-wound, or in significant amounts, a mucus membrane.
“Even then it is extremely unlikely, alongside the fact that any child living with HIV in the UK would almost definitely be on HIV treatment and therefore unable to pass the virus on.
“The fact that HIV is used in this context, for shock value, is testimony to that fact that HIV is still seen as a punchline.
“The scene just wouldn’t work and wouldn’t garner this controversy if the Queen found out she had another long-term condition, such as diabetes or asthma.
“I hope if this scene does make the final cut Sacha Baron Cohen finds a way to address some of these complexities, but I’m not holding my breath.”
According to the Sun, there is doubts about whether the scene will be included in the final release.
A source said: “Nothing would surprise you with Sacha’s comedy, but the scene with the Queen is bleak. It’s more gruesome than anything he has done before.”
The actor was previously accused of perpetuating cheap gay stereotypes through his character Bruno, which he has since retired.
