Photoshop Patrol: Taylor Lautner Victim of "Out & Proud" Fake People Cover Hoax

Twilight star becomes a victim of an internet phony photo spoof

By Sierra Marquina Dec 27, 2011 6:14 AMTags
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Nice try!

An obviously faked People magazine cover on which Taylor Lautner supposedly announced that he's "out and proud" ricocheted across the internet Monday, tricking fans and even celebs like Russell Simmons.

The Photoshopped image of the purported January 7, 2012 People issue shows the Twilight star announcing he's gay and "tired of the rumors." 

The fake cover goes on to fake quote Lautner as saying his decision to come out has left him feeling, "more liberated, and happier than I've ever been."

While the internet was abuzz, celebs like Def Jam's Simmons even fell prey to the hoax, tweeting Taylor a congratulatory tweet: "proud of Taylor Lautner for his bravery and his courage."

Once realizing the mistake, Simmons tweeted: "disappointed that people would joke about someone coming out about their sexuality. Let Taylor Lautner be whoever he wants to be..."

A rep for People magazine confirmed the cover a hoax to Gossip Cop, saying the cover is "absolutely fake."