Justin Bieber revealed as gay in fake tweets

The hackers quickly began spreading bogus 140-character bits of celebrity gossip to its 5 million followers, the New York Daily News reported.

Justin Bieber. Pic/Santa Banta

"Exclusive: Justin Bieber to E!online: I'm a gay," the E! Online account announced - prompting 1,200 retweets and 351 favorites.

A group billing itself as the Syrian Electronic Army claimed responsibility for the takeover.

The SEA was also behind the April hijacking of The Associated Press Twitter feed.

One tweet said Selena Gomez, the ‘Baby' hitmaker's on-again, off-again girlfriend, was supportive of his declaration.