Phoenix Denies Hip-Hop Is Hoax

Actor Joaquin Phoenix insists he really has quit Hollywood for hip-hop,  AP reports. He’s made his last movie and is busy recording rap tracks in his home studio, said the star. Rumors that the career change was actually an elaborate practical joke swirled after video emerged of Phoenix rapping almost inaudibly and falling off a stage in a Vegas club.

"There's not a hoax," Phoenix said. "Might I be ridiculous? Might my career in music be laughable? Yeah, that's possible, but that's certainly not my intention." (More Joaquin Phoenix stories.)