Joaquin Phoenix's Rep Slams Psychiatrist for Implying He's Mentally Ill

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A rep for Joaquin Phoenix is slamming a Chicago-based psychiatrist for suggesting that the actor-turned-rapper, 34, is mentally ill.

Paul Dobransky — a relationships expert and author of The Secret Psychology of How We Fall in Love — told the Los Angeles Times that Phoenix may be schizophrenic, pointing to his "socially inappropriate behavior," including a new rap career, bushy beard and a bizarre Late Show appearance.

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But Phoenix's rep tells MTV News: "How absolutely inappropriate for a doctor who has no personal interaction or relationship with someone to diagnose them."

"And to do so in a public forum," the rep adds. "Hope they spelled his name right. Another 15-minute 'expert' is born!"

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But Dobransky came to Phoenix's defense in the Times interview, even saying that he was "pretty offended" by Ben Stiller's portrayal of Phoenix at the Oscars. He said it seemed as if Stiller was "potentially beating down on the mentally ill."

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"The jury is not exactly in on what is happening," Dobransky said of Phoenix, whom many speculate is pulling an elaborate hoax. "Whatever it is, it's not funny — whether it's drug abuse, mental illness coming on or the clumsiest attempt ever at a career change."