January 28, 2009 18:50

Joaquin Phoenix rap career hoax confirmed by friend

Actor apparently sees joke as an 'art project'

The rap career of Joaquin Phoenix is in fact a hoax, according to two friends of the actor.

The ‘Walk The Line’ star recently announced his plans to become a rapper, even going so far as to say that P Diddy was on board to produce his debut album.

The unlikely move by Phoenix was greeted with skepticism by many, who suspected it was a hoax from the start. His brother-in-law Casey Affleck was working with him on a documentary about his new 'career', which saw him have an apparent meltdown on stage in Las Vegas on January 16, during which he took a tumble from the stage.

Now a source close to the star has come forward to say that it is indeed all a joke, telling ew.com: "He said, 'It's a put-on. I'm going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it.’"

Another source says that Phoenix considers the hoax an “art project” and that he will continue to appear to pursue his new career as rapper.

"He's going full out. He probably has told his reps that he's quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control," the source said.

--By our New York staff.
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