J.T. Leroy was a literary persona created by author Laura Albert in the late 1990s. The character was presented as a troubled young man who wrote about his experiences with abuse and addiction. Leroy's works gained significant attention and acclaim, leading to a cult following and several adaptations, including a film. The revelation in 2005 that J.T. Leroy was a fictional creation sparked controversy and debate about authenticity in literature. This led to discussions about the ethics of using a pseudonym and the impact of the deception on readers and the literary community.