Sacha Baron Cohen Drops Lawsuit Against Massachusetts Cannabis Dispensary

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has dropped his lawsuit against a Massachusetts cannabis dispensary that used an image of his character Borat on a billboard without his permission. The dispensary, Solar Therapeutics Inc., had placed a billboard along a Massachusetts interstate highway featuring Baron Cohen as Borat with two thumbs up and the words 'It's nice!' - one of Borat's catchphrases.

Baron Cohen, who is an Observant Jew, was born into an Orthodox Jewish family and has been vocal about his disapproval of cannabis use. In fact, he has never taken any corporate brand deal despite receiving 'countless opportunities' because he believes it would undermine his credibility as an actor and social activist.

The billboard was taken down three days after Baron Cohen's attorneys sent a cease-and-desist order to the dispensary, but Baron Cohen had declined to receive compensation for the unauthorized use of his image. The legal filing did not mention any settlement in the case.

In a statement, Baron Cohen's lawyers said that the company had 'taken a gamble' by using the image without permission and expected it would boost sales. However, Baron Cohen was not happy about the move and felt it was an infringement on his intellectual property.

The decision to drop the lawsuit comes after several states have given cannabis the green light, despite it still being federally illegal. Baron Cohen has made a career out of mocking 'stoner' culture, which is often associated with cannabis use. He is known for his iconic character Borat, who has returned for a second film.

The case highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding cannabis and its use among different communities. While some states have legalized cannabis, others remain opposed to it, including many Orthodox Jewish communities. Baron Cohen has publicly stated that he does not wish to be involved in this heated controversy.

In conclusion, Sacha Baron Cohen's decision to drop his lawsuit against Solar Therapeutics Inc. brings an end to a contentious dispute over the unauthorized use of his image on a billboard. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding cannabis and its place in different cultures and communities.

Borat thumbs up