FBI Comments on Reported Brad Pitt Child Abuse Investigation
UPDATE: After TMZ reported that the child abuse allegations had been referred to the FBI, the Bureau says they’re still gathering information.
“In response to your inquiry regarding allegations within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; specifically, an aircraft carrying Mr. Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued,” the FBI said in a statement to US Weekly.
Contrary to original reports, the Los Angeles Police Department said they are not investigating Brad Pitt for alleged child abuse. “LAPD is not handling any report or allegations into child abuse for Mr. Brad Pitt,” the department told the site in a statement.
ORIGINAL STORY: Brad Pitt is under investigation for allegedly verbally and physically abusing his kids on a flight just days before Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt and moved for full physical custody of the couple’s six children, according to TMZ.
The site says the Los Angeles Police Department and the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services are looking into a case from last Wednesday (September 14) in which Pitt allegedly got wasted on a private jet, loudly berated his kids and “got physical” with them. The scene reportedly continued once the plane landed, when Pitt continued to make a scene and even tried to catch a ride on a fuel truck.
Someone either on the plane or tarmac anonymously reported the tip. Police have already questioned Jolie and Pitt about the event and are looking to speak with the children, too. TMZ maintains the incident is what finally compelled Jolie to end the relationship, though no officials have publicly confirmed that claim.
Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt, her husband of two years (the couple’s been together for 12 years total) on Monday (September 19). TMZ reports Pitt will fight for joint custody of the kids, and will not settle exclusively for visitation rights.
“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time,” Pitt said to People after the divorce went public.
Look Back at a Timeline of Brangelina’s Long Love Story:
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