Joey Fatone arrived in New York City today (Aug. 23) -- just in time for a big surprise!

Unfortunately, he says that the surprise is a 40th birthday party for his cousin being held tomorrow in Staten Island, N.Y., and not the much-anticipated reunion of 'N Sync. Rumors have been swirling that the legendary boy band will be performing for the first time in more than a decade at this weekend's MTV Video Music Awards.

"Why the hell would I attend?" Joey answered with a smile when asked about the VMAs, being held Sunday (Aug. 25) at Brooklyn, N.Y.'s Barclays Center. 'N Sync's most successful solo member, Justin Timberlake, will be receiving the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award from 'History of Rap' partner Jimmy Fallon at the event.

Bandmate Lance Bass also this week shot down the reunion hype, cleverly talking around the issue without issuing an outright denial. The group's other members are JC Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick.

But perhaps Joey and Justin's relationship isn't what it used to be. "I haven't gotten a phone call or anything," Joey says. "Just like his wedding, I didn't get the phone call or the invite." OUCH. So, uh, yeah, maybe they won't be getting back together anytime soon.

That is, if you choose to believe Fatone. If he's telling the truth, he just ruined the surprise party for his cousin in front of the entire world. If he's lying, he'll be following in some pretty big footsteps (Beyonce's much-denied reunion with Destiny's Child at the Super Bowl, anyone?). If it's a big fat lie, we promise to forgive him the second 'Bye Bye Bye' begins!

Tune in to the VMAs Sunday at 9PM ET to see who's going to be more mad -- Joey Fatone's cousin or disappointed 'N Sync fans!

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