Already have an account?
Get back to the

FBI Releases Statement on Brad Pitt’s Child Abuse Investigation

The FBI released a statement to Us Weekly on Thursday, September 22, regarding Brad Pitt’s child abuse investigation following his recent high-profile split from wife Angelina Jolie

“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’s statement read to Us.

Despite confusing initial reports, the World War Z actor, 52, was not investigated by the LAPD for child abuse after news of his divorce from the Academy Award–winning actress, 41, broke on Tuesday, September 20.

An earlier report from TMZ claimed that the LAPD and L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services were looking into an incident in which the Fight Club star allegedly became “verbally abusive and physical” with his children, citing a specific incident on his and Jolie’s private jet last week.

Related: PHOTOS: Brangelina's Most Memorable Red Carpet Appearances

“LAPD is not handling any report or allegations into child abuse for Mr. Brad Pitt,” the LAPD told Us in a statement on Thursday.

An insider later confirmed to Us that the Department of Children and Family Services had started investigating Pitt but “after interviewing both [Brad and Angelina], they let them go.” (DCFS Public Information Officer Neil Zanville, however, told Us that they’re unable to comment on whether or not the department is investigating the situation.)

Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt attends a ‘Fury’ press conference in 2014. Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

The FBI has jurisdiction over the situation because the alleged incident happened in the air while the Jolie-Pitt clan was flying from Nice, France, to Burbank, California. The family made a stop in Minnesota halfway through their trip to refuel.

Related: PHOTOS: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: The Way They Were

“They did take the complaint at the tarmac after someone had anonymously called from the air,” the source continued of the airport incident. “The investigation is still ongoing, and he knows he is being investigated. He does not believe he committed abuse.”

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity Splits of 2016

On Tuesday, an insider told Us that disagreement over differing parenting styles, among other factors, led to the demise of Brangelina’s two-year marriage. “[Jolie] did try to make it work, but her kids come first, and she couldn’t let them see Mommy and Daddy like this,” the source explained. “The fighting got worse, and they disagreed a lot about parenting and a lot of things.”

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, with children (left to right) Pax, Zahara, Knox, Shiloh and Maddox Jolie-Pitt, attend the world premiere of Disney’s ‘Maleficent’ in 2014. Charley Gallay/Getty Images

As previously reported, Jolie — who is currently staying in a rental house in L.A. with the couple’s six children — filed for divorce on Monday, September 19, citing irreconcilable differences. The U.N. special envoy is requesting sole physical custody of their kids, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8. The divorce filings indicate that she requested that Pitt receive joint legal custody. She is not asking for spousal support. (Between the two of them, Jolie and Pitt have made more than $500 million since the start of their romance in 2004.)

“Angelina Jolie Pitt has filed for dissolution of the marriage,” Jolie’s rep said in a statement to Us Tuesday. “This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time.”

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!