Report: Joaquin Phoenix's Rap Career is a Hoax
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.”