Is Brad Pitt investigated for child abuse?

In a disturbing turn of events in the Angelina Jolie-Brad Pitt breakup, TMZ and several other news outlets say authorities in Los Angeles are investigating accusations that Pitt, 52, has verbally and physically abused at least one of the six children he's had with Jolie.

But the Los Angeles Police Department told USA Today on Thursday it was "not handling any report or allegations into child abuse against Brad Pitt." L.A.'s Department of Children and Family Services said it could not confirm or deny any possible investigations.

Is this empty air or a serious situation?

There have been no reports on the source of the allegations.

Did Angelina Jolie decide to divorce Brad Pitt because he was led off the straight and narrow by a French gal?

Rumors have linked Pitt with his Allied costar Marion Cotillard, 40. But the Oscar-winning La Vie en Rose actress is having none of it.

In a statement that she says will be "my first and only reaction," Cotillard reaffirms her nine-year relationship with actor-director Guillaume Canet, whose second child she is expecting. She refers to the Tell No One helmer as "my love, my best friend, the only one that I need."

To the gossipers and rumormongers, Cotillard says, "I sincerely wish you a swift recovery."

She adds, "I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment."

Supermodel Gigi Hadid is troubled by news reports that she assaulted a fan at a recent Max Mara runway show in Milan. She tweets that he was the one who accosted her: He came up from behind and lifted her up. In response, she reported him to security. Hadid, 21, reminds gossipers that she is "a human being."

tirdad@phillynews.com

215-854-2736