BRADLEY COOPER is the target of a shocking gay accusation that could ruin his lady-killer reputation, say sources.
The star of “Silver Linings Playbook” has been trying to outrun persistent rumors about his sexuality for years, despite having romanced A-list beauties including Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez and Zoe Saldana.
The latest wave of whispers began when popular Hollywood blogger Nikki Finke cracked that the Oscar-nominated hunk, along with “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, needed to “redo their closets” – insinuating that it was time for them to come out as gay.
“The rumors about Bradley are swirling again,” disclosed an insider. “He’s been able to laugh them off in the past, but this latest one comes right when he’s on the verge of becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars and is campaigning for an Oscar.
“Now the floodgates have opened, and people in Hollywood are once again wondering, ‘Is he or isn’t he?’ Bradley believes the cruel rumor could damage his leading man status.”
The 38-year-old “Hangover” heartthrob was nominated for a best actor award at the Golden Globes, and the buzz about his sexuality grew louder when he reportedly rebuffed boy-crazy Taylor Swift’s advances at the event. To complicate matters even more, he has never explained the failure of his four-month marriage to “Blue Bloods” actress Jennifer Esposito. Wild rumors circulated that she caught him in bed with another man, but he insists the breakup was “just something that happened.”
In another piece of unfortunate timing, Bradley is a close friend of “Alias” star Victor Garber, who recently came out of the closet.
For awhile, the thespo WAS linked to his gorgeous “Silver Linings” co-star Jennifer Lawrence, but he recently admitted there’s nothing going on between them.
“Not even close,” Bradley told a reporter. “We’ve done two movies together. If it didn’t happen by now, it’s not going to happen.”
It won’t help either that Bradley, who has no qualms about being a “momma’s boy,” has chosen his mom Gloria to be his “date” for the Academy Awards.
“Bradley always seems to be on the hunt for his next girlfriend,” noted the source. “I’m sure he’d like to get married and finally put the questions about his sexuality to rest.”
