Sacha Baron Cohen Launches New Character

Key points

• Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has unveiled a new character, Katie Zacharia, a fictional White House Press Secretary. Cohen reportedly developed the character after months of watching American political television.
• Zacharia is described as a conservative commentator who is appointed to the role despite lacking public speaking skills and political knowledge. A clip released this week, believed to promote an upcoming feature film, has drawn strong reactions.
• Some critics say the character is over the top and not believable.