Sacha Baron Cohen will not be permitted to show up to the Oscars dressed as General Aladeen from his new movie “The Dictator,” because that might offend despotic third world dictators and you know how sensitive those guys are. Us Magazine says:

After reports surfaced that the Hugo star, 40, was banned from the awards fest, an Academy rep explained it didn’t seem “appropriate” for Cohen to come in costume, but “his tickets haven’t been pulled.”

“Sacha is definitely upset that he’s not being allowed to attend the event as the General,” a source [says].

No one was supposed to know of The General’s appearance on Sunday in the first place, adds the source. “He wanted it to be a surprise and to keep everyone aloof, which he enjoys, but the media went and messed with his fun. He’s bummed about the whole situation.”

The star still plans to attend, the source notes.

But General Aladeen still got in his two riyals on the “Today Show” this morning, saying:

“On behalf of the nation of Wadiya, I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Zionists. While I applaud the Academy from taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions and give me my tickets back by 12 p.m. on Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences.”

Well, whatever these “unimaginable consequences” are, they still can’t be worse than the extended director’s cut of “Bruno.” Homemade pipe bombs would be a whole lot more humane.

Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Irina Shayk in the March issue of Marie Claire Spain, because Sacha doesn’t look nearly as hot in a sundress: