America fails to find Ali G's jokes funny

Stateside was deeply underwhelmed by the humour of Staines "West Side" yesterday after Da Ali G Show opened to scathing reviews from American critics.

The Home Counties gangsta caused coast-to-coast outrage after starting his new six-part television series by poking fun at the American reaction to the 11 September terror attacks.

"Nuff sadness since the events of 7-11," said Sasha Baron Cohen's shell-suited voice of political incorrectness in a reference to the American convenience store chain.

America wasn't laughing. Reviewer Tom Shales of The Washington Post said: "Cohen in character is clueless as caucasian hip-hop interviewer Ali, but nothing excuses joking about 11 September 2001. The word 'tasteless' doesn't even begin to cover it."

Lynn Elber of the Associated Press was astonished that Britain's comic tradition had dropped its standards so low. "Nice to meet you, Mr Cohen. Now go home. Please."

American viewers were also unamused, despite one million people tuning in to watch the opening show late on Friday on the HBO channel. Scott Allen, 35, from San Francisco, said: "Saddam Hussein is funnier than that guy."