The National Enquirer’s new thing is to “out” male celebrities in the most explicit eyewitness accounts they can get away with without being sued. They did it with John Travolta, Daniel Craig, and even Jeremy Renner. This week’s outing involves Zac Efron and a “buff young man” at an industry party. Apparently, Zac was openly flirting with the dude, and at one point, they were even holding hands. The kicker: Vanessa Hudgens was there too, and she was all, “Whatev, my gay BFF is getting some!”

Zac Efron stunned onlookers at a recent Hollywood event when he held hands and flirted with someone right under the nose of his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens – and it was a GUY! Zac – who recently ended his five-year romance with Vanessa – got cozy with a buff young man at a Deb. 18 NBA event at the W Hotel in LA, according to eyewitnesses.

“‘I was shocked at how relaxed and open Zac was with this guy,’ continued the fellow partygoer. ‘He walked around talking to him, smiling and holding his hand right in front of everyone, including Vanessa. People were wondering if maybe it was a stunt to make Vanessa jealous. But truthfully, Zac really seemed into the guy.'”

And if Vanessa minded, she certainly didn’t let on. She and Zac exchanged a warm greeting, and then she spent the remainder of the evening with her girlfriends, while Zac kept his attention on his male friend.

“It was bizarre,” added the eyewitness. Zac has long been the target of Internet speculation about his sexuality – and Zac has always laughed off the rumors.

“That night at the party, Zac and Vanessa clearly weren’t together,” added the eyewitness. “But they still seem like friends.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, scan via Boy Culture]

I honestly don’t know what to think about this. I’ve always given Zac and his seemingly “fancy” sexuality the benefit of the doubt. When I read this Details Magazine cover interview with Zac, it didn’t really feel like he was in the closet – it seemed like he was a straight guy who didn’t really care about “trading up” girlfriends or bangin’ as many girls as possible. Like, he came across as kind of old-fashioned and nice, not “hiding a secret that involves spa dong and glittery circuit parties.” Maybe I’m wrong about it, though. I have no idea.

Photos courtesy of WENN.