Sacha Baron Cohen is suing a US cannabis dispensary for allegedly using his comedy character Borat on its advertising.

The 49-year-old British film star is seeking damages of at least $9m (£6.5m), according to a lawsuit filed in the US state of Massachusetts.

He is accusing Solar Therapeutics of copyright infringement and false advertising.

The lawsuit alleges that the advert featured Baron Cohen as Borat, giving the thumbs up with the words “it’s nice!”.

It was placed on a busy highway in Massachusetts.

Borat is one of Baron Cohen’s most famous characters – a bumbling fictional Kazakh journalist who offends almost everyone he meets in two hugely popular films.

Baron Cohen’s lawyer said that Solar Therapeutics had taken “a gamble”, hoping the actor would not see the advertising.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the cannabis company.

The billboard had been taken down but the company refused to compensate Baron Cohen for the unauthorised use of his image.

Solar Therapeutics has not commented.

In the lawsuit, Baron Cohen said he has never used cannabis, as it is an “unhealthy choice”.

He also said he had refused to advertise any product in the US and UK “despite countless opportunities to do so”, due to fears it would “weaken his credibility as an actor and a serious social activist”.

The lawsuit said that he once refused a £2.9m offer to appear in a car advert.

Despite several US states giving cannabis the green light, it is still illegal under federal law.

Related posts:

Streamer breaks Twitch record after broadcasting live for 31 days Former Gladiators star appears gaunt in mugshot following blackmail trial ‘The most loving human being’: Mark Wahlberg and brother Donnie pay tribute to their mother after her death aged 78 ‘It’s the end of the sport we love’: James Corden ‘heartbroken’ by Super League plan Trying, Breeders and The Army Of The Dead R Kelly’s ex-tour manager bribed official for fake ID so singer could marry 15-year-old Aaliyah, court hears David Jason leads tributes to John Challis: ‘I know he will be missed by so many’ BBC ‘losing talent’ like Phoebe Waller-Bridge in ‘red hot’ battle with rivals, top boss warns Making the music of tomorrow: Chic frontman Nile Rodgers among stars at Ivor Novello Awards Love Island star shares image of bruised eye after being ‘hit in the face for no reason’ Coldplay will stop making new music in 2025, says Chris Martin Broadway Harry Potter actor sacked after misconduct allegations