Fan says he faked Rihanna's anti-gay comment

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Rihanna fan Benvoy Seals shocked many Thursday night when he posted a picture on his Instagram that appeared to capture Rihanna making an anti-gay remark in response to a comment he made on one of her birthday photos.

Seals has removed the image since, but TMZ captured a screenshot of the "conversation."

The photo shows Seals commenting "Rihanna u going to hell girl @badgalriri" on one of the singer's Instagram photos, with Rihanna later responding, "Arnt u gay? ...Nuff said blah! @benvoy."

The exchange has now proved to be false, with Benvoy admitting that he Photoshopped the conversation. "I lied," he says, "I don't know why. I just did."

The supposed conversation caused a stir, especially given Rihanna's recent show of support for gay rights. The singer posted a photo of herself in a 'P6' hat last week -- which refers to Principle 6, a campaign against Russia's anti-gay propaganda law.

Seals has replaced the faked photo with an apology on his Instagram. His profile has been set to private, but the picture reads, "The picture is a fake. Rhianna would never say something like that. I apologize on my behalf, I clearly wasnt thinking. Sorry Rihanna if I "F" up your birthday."

Seals says he has received thousands of death threats and hate messages in response to his actions.

[TMZ]