By Kevin Dolak
Mar 18, 2013 2:42pm
Creators of the History channel’s “The Bible” today rejected suggestions that the character of Satan in the popular mini-series resembles President Obama.
“This is utter nonsense,” producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett said in a statement. “The actor who played Satan, Mehdi Ouazanni, is a highly acclaimed Moroccan actor. He has previously played parts in several Biblical epics — including Satanic characters long before Barack Obama was elected as our president.”
The History channel said any claims of a resemblance are “false.”
“HISTORY channel has the highest respect for President Obama. The series was produced with an international and diverse cast of respected actors. It’s unfortunate that anyone made this false connection,” the channel said.
The 10-hour series, produced by Downey and Burnett, who also produced “Survivor,” began airing March 3 and will conclude on March 31. The series has been pulling in strong ratings, with the premiere viewed by 13.1 million.
Sunday night’s reveal of Satan led many viewers to take to social media to express their surprise with the casting choice.
“Anyone else think the Devil in #TheBible Sunday on History Channel looks exactly like That Guy?” conservative commentator Glenn Beck tweeted.
“Did you catch #TheBible last night? Obama made an appearance,” Twitter user Chris Forewit wrote.
The White House did not immediately respond to ABC News when reached for comment.
The casting decision recalls the uproar when it was revealed that the creators of “Game of Thrones” used a faux severed replica of former President George W. Bush’s head mounted on a stake in a number of scenes in the hit series. HBO quickly released an apology over its inclusion.
