TAIPEI, Oct 17 — Eddie Peng has called in the lawyers to scotch rumours about his sexuality.

This is not the first time that the popular Taiwanese-Canadian actor has been subject to such speculation, but the latest gossip appears to be the most salacious.

If the rumours are to be believed, Peng and Zhang Lei, one of China’s richest investors, are now an item.

It all began a few days ago when a Weibo user posted screenshots of a conversation with "inside sources” discussing Peng’s supposed decision to "offer himself” to the billionaire "despite being straight” to boost his career.

Fans also pointed to another post (since deleted) on the same subject supposedly retweeted by the CEO of Zhongnan Film, Liu Chun, as evidence of the men’s "relationship”.

However, the 35-year-old actor’s representatives have issued a statement to refute the allegations, calling them a "complete fabrication.”

"These statements are purely fabricated and have no value to them. We have already handed this case over to the lawyers,” they said.

Zhang is the CEO of Hillhouse Capital Group. He is reported to have a net worth of approximately US$2.7 billion (RM11.4 billion).

Peng is one of Asian entertainment’s most eligible bachelors. The singer-turned-actor has been linked to several famous names, such as Dada Chan and Jolin Tsai, but has always maintained he is too busy to consider settling down.