By Jeffrey Jolson

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 3/31/08 — Tabloids thought they had the story of the century, or at least the day, but as is increasingly usual, they got it wrong. Star magazine breathlessly reported over the weekend that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had finally tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in New Orleans.

It was the New York Daily News, almost a tab itself, that corrected everyone, and reminded us it is also a legit, major newspaper with some darned good reporters who actually use a telephone to check stories. When other reporters could find no evidence of the nuptials, Star editor Candace Trunzo insisted to the Daily News that the mag’s sources were rock-solid.

Sunday afternoon, faced with denial upon denial, Star finally backed off.

“After further investigation, the sources are not standing by their story,” Star wrote in a terse retraction on its Web site.

Trunzo did not return calls for comment on the soured scoop, but her competition was more than happy to stick it to her.

Us Weekly magazine declared the story utter “bulls–t.”

And OK! magazine, known to pay big bucks for some of its biggest scoops, was quick to spill that Star had offered $3,000 to the New Orleans minister who conducted what would have been the wedding of the century.

“We spoke to the reverend . . . and he was able to completely dispel any talk of the marriage,” OK! editor in chief Sarah Ivens told The News. “In reality, he said he’s never met them but wishes them well.”