Oooh, scandal!

“Batman” star Christian Bale has denied allegations of assault made by his mother and sister, hours after he was arrested, questioned by London police and released.

The actor spent four hours at a police station Tuesday, but was not charged. British media had reported that Bale’s mother, Jenny, and sister Sharon complained he had assaulted them at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Sunday night, a day before the European premiere of “The Dark Knight.” (more)

Not the best time to be smacking up your family, Christian Bale. You’ve got a little movie to promote and the bosses will not be impressed in the slightest by this dirty development.

Or could this be some kind of bizarre publicity stunt? Very, very creative.