The rumors have been confirmed: down low author E. Lynn Harris has died at age 54, according to the AP.

His publicist, Laura Gilmore, told the AP that Harris died after “being stricken” at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday. A man matching Harris’ description was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he later died of a cardiac arrest.

Harris, who preferred his men young and tender, found fame and fortune after writing a series of fictional books based on his down low lifestyle. Harris claimed to be involved in relationships with women before finally coming out of the closet.

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