He's Punking Us!

We previously mentioned how earlier this month actor turned “rapper” Joaquin Phoenix gave a shiteous performance at a nightclub in Las Vegas.

We also mentioned how Phoenix had been acting like a total diva, bitching at people and even storming off while working on his documentary with Casey Affleck.

Both times we thought, and hoped, he was joking. And, now, as expected, we find out it really might all be a hoax.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that two of Phoenix’s friends have come forward to explain the situation.

Says one source who recently worked with Joaquin, “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.”

Though he won’t admit to any of it right now.

Says a source, “It’s an art project for him. 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.”

This art project sure is lame!

[Image via WENN.]