Laura Albert is an American author and playwright, best known for her work under the pseudonym JT Leroy. She gained significant attention in the early 2000s for her novels, which were presented as autobiographical accounts of a troubled youth. Albert's writing often explores themes of identity, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. The revelation that JT Leroy was a fictional character created by Albert sparked controversy and debate about authenticity in literature. This incident raised questions about the nature of authorship and the boundaries between reality and fiction. Albert's work continues to influence discussions on these topics in contemporary literature.