14 DAY TRIAL // So far, Joaquin Phoenix’s determination about his career as a rapper has failed to convince his fans and the media, with most still betting that the sudden change could be nothing but a hoax much in the manner of Sacha Baron Cohen’s now famous mockumentaries. Though, one thing the former actor is serious about is that fans should at least keep quiet while he is performing, as a heckler who was at the receiving end of Joaquin’s punches the other day can very well testify.
Joaquin performed in a Miami club a couple of days ago, in a gig that closely resembled his January impromptu show in Las Vegas. However, this time thing were a bit different, in that a heckler kept nagging the actor turned rapper, until he lost all patience and started exchanging profanities with him. Eventually, Joaquin jumped in the audience and started punching the man who had called him all sorts of names, until he was dragged out by security – from his own gig, as several media outlets are pointing out.
“We have a [double-expletive] in the audience. I’ve got $1million in the bank. What have you got, [expletive]?” Joaquin told the heckler before attacking him. He then seemed to want to continue with his gig, when he suddenly dropped the mic and jumped in the audience to have a go at the guy who had upset him so much. A brawl ensued, with the crowd cheering Joaquin on, chanting “beat him up, beat him up.” A few moments later, security came and dragged Phoenix out of the club, regardless of the fact that it was his own show they were kicking him out of.
As it happens, director Cassey Affleck was also in attendance and, as expected, the entire incident was caught on tape. Despite the fact that the heckler ended up pretty badly bruised, fans and media outlets alike still believe that this “turning to rap” endeavor is a major hoax Joaquin is pulling on the public, as speculation had it at the beginning of the year.
“The transition from one career to another is never seamless. It should come as no surprise to anyone that Joaquin came from a musical family, in addition to winning a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Johnny Cash. He intends on exploring his musical interests despite speculative, negative or positive reactions.” Joaquin Phoenix’s publicist shared in a press statement released at the end of January, in response to the rumors circulating then about the career reorientation being a joke.
For the video of the altercation, please go here.