Paris Hilton says she sometimes acts dumb on television to get laughs, but in real life she’s “a strong person” who’s been through a lot.

Appearing on the British morning show GMTV to launch her new reality show Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend, Hilton, 27, said she cultivated her dumb blonde image for her hit FOX reality show The Simple Life, costarring Nicole Richie, and it became her schtick.

“For five seasons I was stuck doing this character,” she says. “It was kind of hard always having to play that character when it’s not who I am.”

She adds, “I just say jokes but they think I’m serious, which I think is funny, and I think I kind of play up the image sometimes because – whatever – it’s just entertainment.”

In her British show, 12 young hopefuls battle it out to be crowned her official “British best friend.” In real life, Hilton says her fame makes it hard to find close, trustworthy friends.

“It’s difficult because you never know what people’s intentions are, and I think a lot of girls have become my friend for the wrong reasons and used me,” Hilton says. “I didn’t realize it but now, throughout the years, I’m realizing who those kind of people are.”

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Joaquin Phoenix’s rep is denying reports that his rap career is a hoax.

See the videos of Joaquin rapping here.

“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,” his rep tells MTV News. “He intends on exploring his musical interests despite speculative, negative or positive reactions.”

Entertainment Weekly had previously reported that Phoenix — along with brother-in-law Casey Affleck — was playing an elaborate, Andy Kaufman-esque prank on the media (and that his publicists were a part of it).

Phoenix — who’s been sporting a heavy beard lately and announced he was retiring from acting three months ago — shocked fans when he hopped on stage Jan. 16 at Las Vegas club LAVO and rapped.

The act was filmed by Affleck for a documentary about Phoenix’s transition to music.

“It seemed like the rapping was part of playing to the camera,” a witness told Us of Phoenix’s performance.

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Mark Ruffalo was all smiles on set of his directorial debut film “Sympathy for Delicious” in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday morning. Walking near the movie trailers with a shaggy mop-haired Orlando Bloom, Ruffalo looked refreshed and glad to be back to work after his brother’s unfortunate death delayed the film’s start. Because of the delay, original starring actor James Franco had to be replaced by Orlando Bloom, who’s character was befitted with boots, suspenders, and black nail polish to go along with his wild hair while on set.

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