Controversy erupts over the look of Satan on the History Channel series 'The Bible'

CINCINNATI - When Satan appeared during "The Bible" special on the History Channel Sunday night, some people were surprised.

Spoiler alert.

Many went on social media to say Satan looked President Barack Obama.

One viewer tweeted, "history channel's series "The Bible".. Well this is their depiction of satan.. Tell me he doesn't look like Obama."

Another  who goes by the handle CnservativePunk said, "Yes, Satan in "The Bible" looks a lot like Obama. No I don't think it was intentional. Yes, I do think its hysterical."

Even right-wing commentator and radio-host Glenn Beck tweeted: "Anyone else think the Devil in #TheBible Sunday on History Channel looks exactly like That Guy?"

Not everyone agreed. @tkingdoll tweeted, "I don't think these two black men look exactly the same, because I'm not an idiot."

And Randy Dodson posted on Facebook, "It don't look like the moron in the White House, what a strech, [sic] he is not the devil, just an idiot!"

Complex.com reported that the creator of the series, reality TV guru Mark Burnett donated $2,300 to the Obama campaign during the 2008 election, and then to the Democratic National Committee after Obama took office.

Some say its just a coincidence that actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni looks like Obama and it's not some sort of political statement.

The producers of the cable TV miniseries say the Internet chatter that their Satan character resembles President Barack Obama is "utter nonsense."

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey said Monday the Moroccan actor who played Satan in the History channel series, Mehdi Ouzaani, has played Satanic characters in other Biblical programs long before Obama was elected president.

The connection got widespread attention after talk show host Glenn Beck last week tweeted: " Does Satan look EXACTLY like Obama? Yes!"

History said in a statement that the network has "the highest respect" for Obama, and that "it's unfortunate that anyone made this false connection."

"Both Mark and I have nothing but respect and love our president, who is a fellow Christian," said Downey, the "Touched By an Angel" actress who is married to Burnett. "False statements such as these are just designed as a foolish distraction to try and discredit the beauty of the story of the Bible."

Beck has actually been a big supporter of "The Bible." The same tweet that pointed out the actor's resemblance to Obama urged his followers: "Don't miss it."

On Monday, Beck tweeted "Media - relax."

He said the observation was "funny, nothing more" and that the series "is 1 of my fav shows. Keep watching."

The five-part miniseries has been a big hit for History, reaching more than 13 million viewers for its first episode.