NEW YORK (AP) - The producers of the cable TV miniseries on the Bible say Internet chatter that their Satan character resembles President Barack Obama is "utter nonsense."
Mark Burnett and Roma Burnett said Monday the Moroccan actor who played Satan in the History channel series, Mehdi Ouzaani, has played Satanic characters in other Biblical programs long before Obama was elected president.
The connection got widespread attention after talk show host Glenn Beck last week tweeted: "Does Satan look EXACTLY like Obama? Yes!"
History said in a statement that the network has "the highest respect" for Obama, and that "it's unfortunate that anyone made this false connection."
"Both Mark and I have nothing but respect and love our president, who is a fellow Christian," said Downey, the "Touched By an Angel" actress who is married to Burnett. "False statements such as these are just designed as a foolish distraction to try and discredit the beauty of the story of the Bible."
Beck has actually been a big supporter of "The Bible." The same tweet that pointed out the actor's resemblance to Obama urged his followers: "Don't miss it."
On Monday, Beck tweeted "Media - relax."
He said the observation was "funny, nothing more" and that the series "is 1 of my fav shows. Keep watching."
The five-part miniseries has been a big hit for History, reaching more than 13 million viewers for its first episode.
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Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:25:14 GMT
Rap star Lil Wayne was filmed trampling all over the American flag while shooting a new music video for the song "God Bless Amerika" in New Orleans this past weekend.
Rap star Lil Wayne was filmed trampling all over the American flag while shooting a new music video for the song "God Bless Amerika" in New Orleans this past weekend.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:19:16 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
Star of Sofia Coppola's "The Bling Ring" and New Trier senior Katie Chang joined Good Day to speak on what it was like working on her first film, acting with Emma Watson and filming in Paris Hilton's closet.
Star of Sofia Coppola's "The Bling Ring" and New Trier senior Katie Chang joined Good Day to speak on what it was like working on her first film, acting with Emma Watson and filming in Paris Hilton's closet.
TMZ's Dax Holt reports that Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are back together again, police want to talk with Justin Bieber, Chad Johnson released from jail and photos of the domestic dispute with his ex-wife.
TMZ's Dax Holt reports that Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are back together again, police want to talk with Justin Bieber, Chad Johnson released from jail and photos of the domestic dispute with his ex-wife.
Bill Zwecker reports the latest entertainment buzz: Paris Jackson is definitely not a "Belieber," whether Brad Pitt's celebrity will save "World War Z" and "Anger Management" having issues.
Bill Zwecker reports the latest entertainment buzz: Paris Jackson is definitely not a "Belieber," whether Brad Pitt's celebrity will save "World War Z" and "Anger Management" having issues.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:49:38 GMT
Chicago rapper Chief Keef was served Monday in a second paternity lawsuit as he appeared in a Cook County courtroom to plead guilty to a speeding violation.
Chicago rapper Chief Keef was served Monday in a second paternity lawsuit as he appeared in a Cook County courtroom to plead guilty to a speeding violation.
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Beauty used to be in the eye of the beholder. Nowadays, a phone-app is making some of the judgments. More than 5 million people have bought the "Ugly-Meter" app. Here's how it works: You take a photo,
Beauty used to be in the eye of the beholder. Nowadays, a phone-app is making some of the judgments. More than 5 million people have bought the "Ugly-Meter" app.
There's debate about how a school in Georgia -- and the local police department -- handled a 6- year- old who apparently threw a violent temper tantrum.
(The Bible)
