Joaquin Phoenix impostor at TIFF?

2:23 PM PDT 10/14/2010 by Etan Vlessing, AP

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Culprit tries to crash red carpets reports film's PR team

TORONTO - A hoax within a hoax?

A Joaquin Phoenix impostor is apparently on the loose at the Toronto International Film Festival, making red carpet appearances.

As Casey Affleck, producer/director on the offbeat documentary "I'm Still Here" builds buzz in Toronto for his directorial debut, his PR team has raised the alarm on an apparent charlatan who arrives by limousine at festival venues, and is accompanied by "a massive entourage of security and scantily clad female groupies."

The blogosphere hasn't yet lit up with confirming sightings of the faux Joaquin Pheonix, but Affleck is concerned enough about his fans being "tricked and disillusioned by the fraud" that he's set to address the media Friday night outside the Varsity Theatre, just before "I'm Still Here" debuts in Toronto.

Affleck may well deflect the same questions he faced in Venice: is this all an elaborate hoax on the media and public?

"I'm Still Here" portrays the transition of Joaquin Phoenix from actor to aspiring rapper.

Affleck is married to former actress Summer Phoenix, Joaquin's sister