The History Channel miniseries "The Bible" made headlines on Sunday – but not for its huge ratings.
Some on Twitter said actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni – who plays Satan on the miniseries – resembled President Barack Obama, something the producers do not agree with.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Barack Obama
"This is utter nonsense. The actor who played Satan, Mehdi [Ouazaani], 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," Executive Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey said in a statement.
Roma added, "Both Mark and I have nothing but respect and love our President, who is a fellow Christian. False statements such as these are just designed as a foolish distraction to try and discredit the beauty of the story of ‘The Bible.'"
VIEW THE PHOTOS: First Pets: Animals That Have Raised The White House Woof!
POLL: Do you think the actor playing Satan in The History Channel's ‘The Bible' resembles President Obama?
The network also spoke out about the comparisons from people, which included conservative newscaster Glenn Beck.
"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 on its rich stories and deep history," a rep for the network said in a statement.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Stars At Inauguration Day
The 10-hour miniseries concludes on Easter Sunday.
-- Jesse Spero
VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Many Styles of Michelle Obama
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
