‘Borat’ Star Drops Lawsuit Against Somerset Cannabis Dispensary

Last summer, drivers on I-195 in New Bedford passed a towering billboard featuring Sasha Baron Cohen's character Borat.

The actor was not too pleased about it. But today his lawsuit was laid to rest.

In a lawsuit first filed on July 12, 2021, Baron Cohen claimed Solar Therapeutics Inc. used his likeness without his permission when they placed a billboard featuring a photo of the actor in character as Borat along with the phrase, "It's Nice!" (a frequent Borat catchphrase).

That same lawsuit claimed: "Mr. Baron Cohen never has used cannabis in his life. He never would participate in an advertising campaign for cannabis, for any amount of money," and sought damages of at least $9 million.

Solar Therapeutics' legal counsel, Nicholas J. Hemond Esq., issued a statement to Fun 107 last July that said: “I am aware of the allegations made against Solar Therapeutics, Inc. (Solar). Upon receipt of the cease and desist letter from Mr. Cohen’s legal counsel, Solar immediately requested that the sign company remove the billboard in question. As there is an active case before the court, we have no further comment at this time.”

That active case is now apparently over.

According to a Tuesday, May 17, 2022 filing in U.S. District Court, Baron Cohen's attorneys and counsel for Solar Therapeutics Inc. and its chief executive Edward Dow III agreed to dismiss the lawsuit for good.

No settlement was mentioned in the court filing and neither party has released a statement regarding the dismissal as of yet.

For now, what we know is that the dispute has been put to rest and today's filing means Baron Cohen can take no further legal action against the cannabis company.