The Bible producers reject character link to Obama

(Image: The Bible)

History Channel's mini-series The Bible is generating controversy after some viewers noted a perceived similarity between the character of Satan and U.S. President Barack Obama.

The Bible is continuing to enjoy strong ratings in its third week of telecast, but has now fallen under the shadow of social media innuendo.

Already criticized for its ethnic and beautified casting, viewers on Sunday night took offense at a supposed resemblance of Moroccan actor Mehdi Ouazzani and the 44th POTUS in the docu-drama.

Ouazzani, who plays the miniseries' version of the Devil, became the center of a whirlwind of tweets last night.

"Anyone else think the Devil in #TheBible Sunday on History Channel looks exactly like That Guy?" firebrand and conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck tweeted.

Beck, who many see as always enjoying a potential media scandal, was among the first to stir the pot.

On Monday, History Channel and The Bible producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey fired back.

"History channel has the highest respect for President Obama," the network said in a released statement.

"The series was produced with an international and diverse cast of respected actors…History's 'The Bible' is meant to enlighten people on its rich stories and deep history."

Burnett and Downey were more direct in their joint statement. "This is utter nonsense," they said.

"The actor who plays Satan, Mehdi Ouazzani, is a highly acclaimed Moroccan actor. He has previously played parts in several Biblical epics – including Satanic characters long before Barack Obama was elected as our president. "

Burnett said, "The president is a fellow Christian."

Downey was scheduled to visit the White House on Monday night as a guest of President Obama.

The Bible drew 13 millions viewers on is debut.

The third episode of "The Bible drew 139,300 viewers on Sunday night.

With two episodes left,  its ends on Easter Sunday showing a representation of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Copyright © 2013 Ecumenical News