The latest Sacha Baron Cohen film includes a scene where an HIV+ Daniel Radcliffe infects the Queen

In the film The Brothers Grimsby, an actor resembling Radcliffe is shown swallowing blood and a mock news report tells the audience that Daniel Radcliffe is HIV+ . The actor playing Radcliffe later returns to infect a character portraying the Queen.

The film has been heavily criticised for its portrayal of the people of Grimsby and for Sacha Baron Cohen’s character who is a football hooligan.

A spokeswoman for Daniel Radcliffe has insisted that: “Daniel is not involved in this production.”

Suzi Price of the National AIDS Trust said in relation to the film: “HIV can only be passed on by blood if it enters an open wound, or in significant amounts, a mucous membrane.

“Even then it is extremely unlikely, alongside the fact that any child living with HIV in the UK would almost definitely be on HIV treatment and therefore, unable to pass the virus on.

“The fact that HIV is used in this context, for shock value, is a testament to that fact that HIV is still seen as a punchline.

“The scene just wouldn’t work and wouldn’t garner this controversy if the Queen found out she had another long-term condition, such as diabetes or asthma.

“I hope if this scene does make the final cut Sacha Baron Cohen finds a way to address some of these complexities, but I’m not holding my breath.”

According to The Sun, a source close to Radcliffe said:

“We will speak to Sony Pictures and don’t be surprised if this scene or any reference to Daniel does not make the final edit.”

This is not the first time Sacha Baron Cohen has been at the centre of controversy. He was previously accused of perpetuating gay stereotypes through his character Bruno, which he has since retired.

The Brothers Grimsby will be released in the US in February 2016, and will be released here later the same year.