Abdul gets fooled by Baron Cohen

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has admitted she was fooled by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy character Bruno, as part of his forthcoming movie.

Appearing on US radio's Johnjay and Rich Show, the star said she was told she had won an award in Germany and was interviewed by Baron Cohen's alter ego.

Abdul said she had no idea it had been a set up until weeks later.

"At two in the morning, I woke up in a sweat and I went: 'Oh my God' And I'm dying, because you don't expect it."

'Abusive stuff'

Recalling the incident, she said: "I'm greeted by this futuristic dude with a mohawk - and he's flaming.

"I walk in and there was no furniture except a chair. And this guy Bruno introduces himself. He snaps his fingers and says, 'Gardeners'.

"And these two Mexican guys come in, and they drop down to all fours. I see him paying them like 10 bucks."

The singer said things turned "uncomfortable" when Baron Cohen kicked one of the Mexicans.

"I said, 'Get me out of here. This is crazy. This is not funny, this is discrimination. This is abusive stuff going on here'."

Early reviews of the film, based on Baron Cohen's gay fashion TV reporter character, have been largely positive.

Like Baron Cohen's hit film Borat, Bruno takes the style of a faux documentary, with the comedian putting unsuspecting interviewees through a string of awkward situations.

Those caught out this time are rumoured to include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ben Affleck.