News & Gossip

Updated January 28, 2009

Report: Joaquin Phoenix's Rap Career is a Hoax

FOXNews

Looks like the 'retired' actor turned rapper has already begun to display some serious diva behavior

Say it isn’t so.

In a shocking turn of events, the rumor mills are now buzzing that Joaquin Phoenix’s retirement from acting and newfound career as a rapper is all part of an elaborate hoax.

You don't say! Who saw that one coming?

Entertainment Weekly claims that two people close to the Oscar-nominated actor, who made a much-hyped three-song debut as a rapper on Jan. 16 in Vegas, has created an Andy Kaufman-style hoax that is being documented by his brother-in-law Casey Affleck.

The hoax is said to be motivated by a desire to lampoon actors who take themselves too seriously and the media that follows their every move.

One source quoted Phoenix as saying “It’s a put-on. I’m going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it.”

Still, don’t expect the “Walk the Line” star to break character and reveal the hoax anytime soon.

“It’s an art project for him,” EW quoted a source as saying. “He’s going full out. He probably has told his reps that he’s quit acting. Joaquin … has a huge degree of control.”

Click here to read more from Entertainment Weekly.

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