Joaquin Phoenix 'not mentally ill', says rep

Washington, Feb 28 (ANI): Joaquin Phoenix's rep has slammed a Chicago-based psychiatrist for claiming that the actor-turned-rapper is mentally ill.

Apparently, Paul Dobransky - a relationships expert - had told the Los Angeles Times that the 34-year-old artist may be schizophrenic, pointing to his "socially inappropriate behavior," including a new rap career, bushy beard and a bizarre Late Night with David Letterman appearance.

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. Hope they spelled his name right. Another 15-minute 'expert' is born!" the rep added.

However, Dobransky defended Phoenix in the Times interview, saying that he was "pretty offended" by Ben Stiller's portrayal of Phoenix at the Oscars, reports Us magazine.

He said it seemed as if Stiller was "potentially beating down on the mentally ill."

"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," the doctor added.

Phoenix, who won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line has said that his most recent film, Two Lovers, will be his last film.