Charli XCX prankster is latest in a long line of authors to fool the public

A writer hoodwinked the internet into thinking the singer nabbed his book title but he’s not the first author to pull a controversial publicity stunt

On Wednesday, writer Gabriel Smith shared what at first glance seemed to be an email sent by the singer Charli XCX, asking if she could use the title of Smith’s forthcoming debut novel, Brat, for her next album, which is also being released this summer. “I have been a HUGE fan of your writing for ages,” the email states, adding that using the title would be a “tribute”.

Yet, looking closer, it is clear the email is faked – the recipient is Charli, not Smith. On Thursday, Charli responded to the faked email: “ive never heard of you. good luck with your book tho !” she wrote.