Sacha Baron Cohen's 'The Dictator' Posts Video Message on Oscars Controversy

"While I applaud the Academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions, and give me my tickets back by 12pm Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences!" Cohen's character says.

9:30 AM PST 2/24/2012 by Matthew Belloni

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Paramount

Sacha Baron Cohen, responding to the Academy's unwillingness to let him appear on the Oscars red carpet at his character from the upcoming comedy The Dictator, has posted a video message online.

Sacha Baron Cohen Issues Statement on Oscars 'Dictator' Controversy

Academy: Sacha Baron Cohen Not 'Banned' From Oscars But 'Dictator' Stunt Unwelcome

"While I applaud the Academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions, and give me my tickets back by 12pm Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences!"

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As THR has reported, Cohen wasn't banned, and an Academy source says Cohen's tickets to the show were delivered this week as planned. But the Academy has made it clear that he is not welcome to turn the red carpet into a promotional stunt for his movie.

"On top of all this," the character General Aladeen says, "I paid Hilary Swank $2 million to be my date, and she will not refund a penny."

VIDEO: 'The Dictator' Trailer: Sacha Baron Cohen Reigns Supreme

Watch the video below ...