Austria Speculates on "Brno" Inspiration
The recent attention that has been given to Sacha Baron Cohen's new movie, "Bruno," has sparked a debate in Austria, where the flamboyant character is supposed to have come from, about who can take credit for being Cohen's inspiration. Entertainment Weekly reports that the two top contenders are entertainer Alfons Haider and fashion journalist Adi Weiss.
Haider certainly has Bruno's outlandish style and personality, but the entertainer doesn't agree that he has much in common with the character. According to New York Daily News, he could only think of three similarities, saying, "I'm Austrian, I'm gay and I work for television." However, he does admit that Cohen may have seen one of the 800 shows he's worked on while the comedian was studying in Austria.
Weiss has the advantage of being a fashion journalist, but denies any similarities to Bruno beyond that. He told People Magazine that he's "the most down-to-earth fashion journalist you'll ever meet."
Despite this proclamation, Weiss once announced to everyone that he was the inspiration for Bruno, although that was just to get some PR.