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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Police say actress Amanda Bynes has been arrested in midtown Manhattan after she heaved a marijuana bong out of a window.
Actress Amanda Bynes appeared disheveled in a long blond wig and sweats Friday in a criminal court where she was charged with reckless endangerment after police said she heaved a marijuana bong out the window of her...
Friday, May 24 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:58:27 GMT
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Wicker Park's The Smoke Daddy features great Chicago grilling experts. They joined FOX 32 News at Noon to showcase what they'll serve this Memorial Day weekend and share some grilling tips.
Wicker Park's The Smoke Daddy features great Chicago grilling experts. They joined FOX 32 News at Noon to showcase what they'll serve this Memorial Day weekend and share some grilling tips.
Memorial Day weekend is the official kick off to summer, and that means awesome patio and rooftop seating at your local restaurants and bars. Eater Chicago Editor Daniel Gerzina lists some favorites.
Memorial Day weekend is the official kick off to summer, and that means awesome patio and rooftop seating at your local restaurants and bars. Eater Chicago Editor Daniel Gerzina lists some favorites.
Emmy award-winning William Shatner stopped by Good Day to talk about his new project, his favorite TV and movie roles – especially Star Trek - and what he has planned for the near future!
Emmy award-winning William Shatner stopped by Good Day to talk about his new project, his favorite TV and movie roles – especially Star Trek - and what he has planned for the near future!
It's Fit Friday! NBA wife and exercise guru Larsa Pippen joined Good Day with her favorite North Shore Fit Pit trainer Chad Surdich, to show how his 1,000 calorie-burning class could change your life.
It's Fit Friday! NBA wife and exercise guru Larsa Pippen joined Good Day with her favorite North Shore Fit Pit trainer Chad Surdich, to show how his 1,000 calorie-burning class could change your life.
Jamie Kennedy is performing at the Laugh Factory Friday night and has a new sitcom called "Oh Sit!" He also wrote a new movie called "Lost in Armenia," and stars in the Lifetime thriller "Foreclosure."
Jamie Kennedy is performing at the Laugh Factory Friday night and has a new sitcom called "Oh Sit!" He also wrote a new movie called "Lost in Armenia," and stars in the Lifetime thriller "Foreclosure."
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:16 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:16:31 GMT
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
New FOX show "Does Someone Have To Go?" premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. and the husband and wife team behind Velocity Merchant Services in Downers Grove is featured! Danoush and Dema Khairkhah explain.
New FOX show "Does Someone Have To Go?" premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. and the husband and wife team behind Velocity Merchant Services in Downers Grove is featured! Danoush and Dema Khairkhah explain.
The new season of "Master Chef" begins at 7 p.m. here on FOX! Chicago contestant Thao "Duckie" Huynh joined Good Day to explain how she got chosen and shared one of her favorite recipes.
The new season of "Master Chef" begins at 7 p.m. here on FOX! Chicago contestant Thao "Duckie" Huynh joined Good Day to explain how she got chosen and shared one of her favorite recipes.
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)
