Taking Names

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'Borat' star beaten

Sacha Baron Cohen, star of the box office hit "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," was beaten up by a passer-by in New York City after he tried to play a prank as his alter ego, reports Drudgereport.com, citing a story published yesterday in London's Sun newspaper.

According to the report, Mr. Cohen approached the man and said: "I like your clothings. Are nice. Please may I buying? I want have sex with it."

The bystander didn't see the joke. He took one look at Mr. Cohen and punched him in the face.

The British funnyman -- known for his Borat catchphrase "Jagshemash" -- yelled for help but was slugged again and again. He was rescued by actor pal Hugh Laurie who had been on his way to a Manhattan bar with Mr. Cohen.

Mr. Laurie, star of Fox-TV's "House," rushed to help and pushed the man away as Mr. Cohen struggled to his feet, the Sun reported. The incident took place after Mr. Laurie and Mr. Cohen appeared on "Saturday Night Live." The Brit comics were on their way to a late dinner when Mr. Laurie suggested they have a drink together.

Mr. Cohen, 35, did not receive any lasting scars.

Decision pending

Malawi's High Court said it will rule next week on whether a coalition of human rights and child advocacy groups should help decide whether Madonna is fit to adopt a 13-month-old boy, Associated Press reports.

Justice Andrew Nyirenda said yesterday that he will rule Monday on whether to admit the 67-member coalition, which includes the state-run Malawi Human Rights Commission, as a party in the adoption proceedings. The coalition maintains the proceedings have been irregular.