James Franco 'hits on teen fan' HOAX? Instagram 'flirting' with 17-year-old Lucy Clode scandal goes viral to promote new film 'Palo Alto?' [VIDEO]

James Franco is currently trending on the web, and here's why:

James Franco hits on teenage fan Lucy Clode? [LEAK] Flirty texts with young girl in NYC go viral, actor denies 'soliciting sex' on Twitter [Instagram PHOTOS]

James Franco #17YearOldGirl trends on Twitter after actor 'flirts' with blonde teen in NYC, fans jealous of potential hotel room hook-up!

That's right - apparently the "Pineapple Express" cutie tried to "cyber" seduce a young teen! And what perfect timing, considering the trailer for Franco's new movie "Palo Alto" just got released online.

And now that's getting a lot of attention, too. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not...

Similar to a nude photos leak, right before an important release or event!

The 2013 flick "Palo Alto" is "a dark drama centered on a group of teens with a penchant for finding trouble" (via IMDb). The movie is based off of Franco's short story collection he published in 2010 (it also stars actress, Emma Roberts). The film is scheduled to be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 24:

So, was this whole text/Instagram "flirting" scandal just a hoax to garner some hype around the movie? Franco is quite the prankster. Interesting - what do fans think?