Laura Albert

Laura Victoria Albert (born November 2, 1965) is an American author known for inventing the literary persona JT LeRoy. Under the pseudonym, she published a series of autobiographical fiction works before being revealed as the true author. Albert has also used aliases such as Emily Frasier and Speedie, and published works under names like Laura Victoria and Gluttenberg. Following the disclosure of her true identity, Albert faced a lawsuit for fraud after signing a film-option contract as the fictitious LeRoy. Ultimately, a jury ruled against her, and the damages were settled out of court. Albert grew up in Brooklyn Heights, experienced a troubled childhood, and immersed herself in the punk scene while attending fiction classes at the New School in Manhattan. She later relocated to San Francisco and worked various jobs.