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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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.
Many people take to the grill for Memorial Day weekend, the unspoken signal that summer has begun. Top Chef Jamie Purviance shared tips from his new book "Weber's New Real Grilling."
Many people take to the grill for Memorial Day weekend, the unspoken signal that summer has begun. Top Chef Jamie Purviance shared tips from his new book "Weber's New Real Grilling."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:45:02 GMT
Beans are a great super-food to get your body bikini-ready. Try the Haricort Verts with Fig Balsamic Glaze, Black Bean and Corn with Hearts of Palm or Chickpea with Zucchini, Romaine and Aged Parmesan Salads!
Beans are a great super-food to get your body bikini-ready. Try the Haricort Verts with Fig Balsamic Glaze, Black Bean and Corn with Hearts of Palm or Chickpea with Zucchini, Romaine and Aged Parmesan Salads!
David's Tea teamed up one of Chicago's hottest artisinal cocktail lounges, Chicago's Violet Hour, to create a new line of summer drinks! Lisa Tipton and Tyler Fry joined Good Day Chicago to explain.
David's Tea teamed up one of Chicago's hottest artisinal cocktail lounges, Chicago's Violet Hour, to create a new line of summer drinks! Lisa Tipton and Tyler Fry joined Good Day Chicago to explain.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:21:15 GMT
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:20:10 GMT
Kevin Durant, one of the Oklahoma City Thunder's biggest stars, made a generous show of support for tornado victims on Tuesday. His foundation hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Kevin Durant, one of the Oklahoma City Thunder's biggest stars, made a generous show of support for tornado victims on Tuesday. His foundation hopes to inspire others to do the same.
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