It's speculation. The article is written and headlined in a manner that suggests something definitive. However, in the matter of providing definitive evidence for the supposed occurrence, the reader is instead left with vague and milquetoast positive assertions from one of the two parties and outright denials from the other. Proceed with caution as to absolute veracity here. On the other hand, one might be wise to never believe a rumor until it has been officially denied.