Ali G thrown from reporter's office

Spoof interviewer Ali G was thrown out of the offices of one of America's top reporters, according to the New York Post.

15:33 26 August 2004

Spoof interviewer Ali G was thrown out of the offices of one of America's top reporters, according to the New York Post.

The comedian, whose real name is Sacha Baron Cohen, angered senior 60 Minutes reporter Andy Rooney with his signature "Is it because I is black" line.

Rooney, 85, who has reported for US television network CBS on such subjects as the Iraq war and the state of the American economy, persistently interrupted the comedian to correct Ali's grammar.

Eventually Ali unleashed his famous "Is it because I is black?" line - angering Rooney and seeing Ali out on his ear.

Rooney, like former MP Tony Tony Benn before him, was told he would be participating in a "youth-oriented, educational, British show" and was oblivious to Ali G's real identity or agenda.

The comedian is currently receiving rave reviews stateside - with the New York Times describing him as a "Brit wit sensation".