In an explosive new interview, Francois-Henri Pinault denies he turned his back on four-year-old Augustin, the result of a secret fling with French supermodel Linda!

Linda Evangelista shocked showbiz when she revealed the billionaire boss of luxury brands Gucci and Yves St. Laurent fathered her now four-year-old son Augustin James — during a break from his romance with now-wife Salma Hayek. The model, 46, launched a legal battle for $46,000-a-month in child support, and attacked her ex for ignoring his son. Now Francois-Henri Pinault is firing back!

“At every possible opportunity he [Augustin] has participated in my family life whether in France or the United States,” Francois, 49, tells the French edition of Elle magazine. “He is totally integrated within my family.”

There’s just a one-year age gap between Augustin and Valentina, Francois’ daughter with 45-year-old Salma — and he tells the magazine the two kids have a normal brother and sister relationship.

He may be spending time with his son, but Francois and Linda are still battling over exactly how much money he should contribute towards Augustin’s upbringing.

She claims Francois has never given her a penny to support Augustin and argues her son deserves the same luxuries Valentina enjoys.

Francois meanwhile claims $46,000 a month is WAY TOO MUCH and that her demands for $175,000 a year for police drivers to chauffeur her and Augustin and $80,000 a year for a full-time nanny are unrealistic.

Unless the pair can agree on a sum, the case will head towards a messy trial.

It’s great that Francois is facing up to his responsibilities as a father — let’s hope he reaches an agreement with Linda before this turns too nasty!

What do you think, HollyMoms? Should he pay Linda what she wants? He is SUPER rich after all! Or do you think the supermodel is being too greedy?

– Ian Garland

More Salma on HollyBaby:

1. Salma Hayek Takes Her Daughter Valentina Jet-Skiing! Isn’t That Dangerous?
2. This Gorgeous Girl Is Already Speaking Three Languages! Do You Know Who She Is?
3. Salma Hayek’s Daughter, Valentina, Is A Mini-Me!