'Bible' creators deny Satan bears resemblance to Obama

Channel, producers respond to criticism

Viewers took to the internet to say that Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni as Satan in the History channel's "The Bible" bears a striking resemblance to President Barack Obama.

HOUSTON – The History channel and executive producers are responding to criticism that the actor they cast as Satan in their highly successful miniseries "The Bible" bears a striking resemblance to President Barack Obama.

After Sunday night's episode, a flurry of activity by viewers on internet sites such as Twitter sparked the conversation about the resemblance.

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In a press release from the cable network, it stated: "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. History's ‘The Bible' is meant to enlighten people in its rich stories and deep history."

Moroccan actor Mohamen Medhi Ouzaani is the actor who was cast as Satan.

Producers of the series, Mark Burnett and his wife, Roma Downey, also commented on the controversy. "This is utter nonsense," said Burnett. Downey added, "Both Mark and I have nothing but respect and love for our President, who is a fellow Christian."

It's not the first time a cable network has been accused of a presidential faux pas. In July, Home Box Office apologized for using former President George W. Bush's likeness in "Game of Thrones," when a prop of a severed head bearing the likEness of the former president appeared mounted on a stick.