The concurrent release of "Casanova" was just too transparent. I can hear how is agent sold it to him: Appear on the big screen simulating anal sex with a dude and Hollywood will forever view you as an ac-TOR (see, Robbins, Tim). Meanwhile we will make a crappy movie that features you having sex with as many women. In terms of public image, the two cancel eachother out. Judging by the box office numbers, Casanova will be out on DVD by the end of February.
I agree with what you said 100%. That's EXACTLY what happened. The "media" is also hyping the fact that he "fell" for a FEMALE on the set of the sheepherder movie and that they were able to pull off having a child.
He was wrong.