Georgia State Representative Jason Spencer gave an apology for his use of the N-word and use of other racial epithets on Sacha Baron Cohen’s new show. The four-term GOP rep. was a guest on Cohen’s Who is America show on Showtime which was created to expose and make fun of political figures.
In what was the second episode of the show, Cohen plays an anti-terrorism expert who offers advice to Spencer as seen in this clip from the show. In the clip, Cohen advises Spencer to use the N-word to attract attention during a terrorist attack. With no hesitation, the embattled political figure screams the racial slur multiple times practicing his defense against a terrorist attack. Spencer also imitates Asians in the clip when Cohen teaches him how to spot a terrorist using a selfie stick and acting like a tourist.
This isn’t the first time Spencer has proven to be controversial in the worst ways. In 2016, Spencer introduced legislation essentially banning Muslim women from wearing hijabs in what he referred to as the “no mask” policy. Spencer’s legislative attempt was shot down in Georgia and was followed by tons of backlash.
“Sacha Baron Cohen and his associates took advantage of my paralyzing fear that my family would be attacked. In posing as an Israeli Agent, he pretended to offer self-defense exercises. As uncomfortable as I was to participate, I agreed to, understanding that these ‘techniques’ were meant to help me and others fend off what I believed was an inevitable attack,” Spencer said in a statement. “I apologize to my family, friends, and the people of my district for this ridiculously ugly episode.”
Spencer claims that his family received death threats following his introduction of the “no mask” policy. Other members in Georgia’s Congress have asked Spencer to immediately step down. The 43-year-old has said he will not leave his post is that he only has five months left before he leaves office. Spencer lost his primary election in May to 24-year-old Steven Sainz who ran for office for the first time.
