Jared Leto "I was joking"

Leto joked about being gay

Actor Jared Leto has laughed off reports that he is gay, insisting his comments to a reporter last week were meant as a joke.

The Requiem For A Dream star gave an online interview last Friday, where he claimed he was "gay as a goose".

The America On Line reporter seemed unsure if Leto was kidding or not and revised the question.

Leto them compared himself to rock musician Morrissey, another singer known for his vagueness about his sexuality.
he star was engaged to Cameron Diaz and has also been linked with Lindsay Lohan and Scarlett Johansson.

His publicist, Robin Baum, has dismissed the flurry of media reports that followed his interview insisting: "Jared was kidding."



Attractions and hotels are expecting a boost in crowds this week after Tuesday night's kickoff of Gay Days in Orlando.

Organizers estimate a record 140,000 gays and lesbians will be in town for the 16th annual gathering, which has grown a worldwide reputation with six days of events that largely center on Walt Disney World.

While Disney, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando don't officially sponsor the events, they welcome the crowds.

"We've always seen more people in the parks during Gay Days, and we expect the same this year," Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said. "It's a great weekend for the city of Orlando and the community, in national attention and bringing business. There's no question we'll see more people in our theme parks and see more people staying in our hotels."

The gay and lesbian travel market is valued at about $50 billion nationwide, according to David Paisley, project manager at Community Marketing Inc., which publishes Gay Travel News.