When Sacha Baron Cohen set out to make Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan in 2006, he wasn't just making a movie. He was conducting one of the most audacious social experiments in film history—and law enforcement across America had no idea what hit them.

The production triggered over 90 police calls as Baron Cohen, never breaking character, bewildered, offended, and occasionally terrified unsuspecting Americans from coast to coast.

Guerrilla Filmmaking at Its Most Chaotic

The genius—and legal nightmare—of Borat was its commitment to authenticity. Most people on screen had no idea they were in a movie. Baron Cohen, playing a clueless Kazakh journalist, would simply show up with a small camera crew and start interacting with real people.

The results were predictably unpredictable:

A rodeo manager called police after Borat butchered the national anthem
Antique shop owners reported a "foreign man" destroying their merchandise
Hotel staff panicked when Borat released a chicken in the lobby
Multiple restaurants had 911 called over his table manners

The production team had lawyers on standby and bail money ready at all times. They also employed "runners"—crew members whose job was to delay police while the team escaped with footage.

The Naked Hotel Chase

Perhaps the most infamous police encounter came during the nude wrestling scene at a hotel convention. Baron Cohen and co-star Ken Davitian—playing Borat's producer Azamat—chased each other through a crowded hotel lobby completely naked.

Guests screamed. Staff froze. Someone called 911. The crew kept filming.

By the time police arrived, Baron Cohen had already fled the building, still in character, still naked, and somehow still committed to the bit.

Why They Kept Getting Away With It

The production's secret weapon was speed and confusion. By the time anyone understood what was happening, the crew was gone. Most victims were too embarrassed or baffled to press charges. And those who did sign release forms—often for small payments—had no real legal recourse.

The film's distributor, 20th Century Fox, settled several lawsuits out of court. The fraternity brothers who appeared drunk and racist sued. The etiquette coach who patiently endured Borat's dinner table horrors sued. Even the government of Kazakhstan initially threatened legal action before realizing the film was actually boosting tourism.

A New Standard for Chaos

The 90+ police calls weren't just a production headache—they became part of the film's legend. Baron Cohen proved that the funniest comedy comes from genuine human reactions, even if capturing those reactions requires outrunning the law.

When Borat Subsequent Moviefilm arrived in 2020, the team had learned from experience. They filmed with even smaller crews, moved faster, and yes—still had lawyers on speed dial.

Some movies have blooper reels. Borat has a police blotter.

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