So, apparently James Franco was messaging a 17-year-old girl, and trying to hook up with her. I just don’t really know how to react to this news, I mean this is James Franco we’re talking about!

The leaked messages basically show how the pair started on Instagram, and then somehow moved onto texts, where Franco asked the girl her age, location, and whether or not he should rent a room at the same hotel as her. She asked him to send her a selfie, with her name written on a piece of paper to prove it was really him, which he did. That’s pretty damning evidence, really.

You’ve probably already seen the messages by now, and if you haven’t then there’s not much else that needs to be added. Girls (and even some boys) all over Twitter have been questioning the girls sanity – why, oh why would she leak the pictures and ruin a possible relationship with James Franco?! I don’t know, but James, if you’re reading, then hit me up, my Twitter handle is @SeetalRihal_ ;D

I know how much controversy this has brought up, but to be honest, I think it’s partially a publicity stunt, as Franco’s next movie to be released is about a teacher who starts a relationship with one of his students. Um… Okay then. Yeah, it’s not the same thing, at all, but the whole age gap thing makes it make sense! I think it was just a publicity stunt, just to get the public talking about it, getting the whole age-gap relationship subject flowing, and just making it more apparent that this is a thing that happens. Also, you know, it could be a warning to what actually happens on social media nowadays, especially with the message (that has since been deleted) from Franco: “I hope parents keep their teens away from me.”

Franco appeared on LIVE with Kelly & Michael to quickly discuss the issue, which makes it just seem more like it was a genuine thing that happened. You can view the video here. Franco doesn’t seem too bothered by it, which makes it seem that he’s just trying to keep the stunt as authentic as possible. At least, that’s what I hope…

I maintain that it’s a publicity stunt, because I refuse to believe that the actor behind the adorable Daniel Desario from Freaks and Geeks would do something this bizarre just for the lolz.