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Robert Downey, Jr.’s Gay “Sherlock” Not New or True

Truth rating: 2

Guy Ritchie Jude Law News of the World NY Post Robert Downey Jr.

5:16 pm, August 4th, 2009

(Warner Bros.)

What’s worse - a rumor that’s resurfaced, or a rumor that’s made up?

The New York Post‘s usually venerable “Page Six” column printed an item about the upcoming Guy Ritchie film “Sherlock Holmes” in which a “gay spin” has been given to the relationship between Robert Downey, Jr.’s Holmes and his assistant, Dr. Watson, played by Jude Law.

According to the piece, Downey is quoted as saying that his (new) Holmes “will sleep with and have sweaty grappling scenes with Watson.” He continued, “We’re two men who happen to be roommates, wrestle a lot and share a bed. It’s bad-ass.”

Problem number one: The seemingly new quotes, which the Post attributes to an interview Downey gave to the UK’s News of the World, have once again reared their ugly head, having first been printed more than five months ago on February 22.

Problem number two: The quotes are completely made up. “Robert never spoke to News of the World,” says his spokeswoman.

OK, so it’s old, and the comments were fabricated . . . but how what about that interesting twist of Holmes and Watson being gay?

“Watson and Sherlock both have female love interests in the film,” adds Downey’s spokeswoman. Oops.