LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22 (UPI) — Dad-of-six Brad Pitt is reportedly under investigation for child abuse.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services are looking into an incident involving the 52-year-old actor and his children, TMZ reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources.
Pitt, wife Angelina Jolie and their kids were on their private plane Sept. 14 when the actor became “verbally abusive” and physical” with one of the children, according to the report. He had been drinking at the time.
Someone on the tarmac or plane anonymously reported Pitt’s behavior. Sources told TMZ that Children and Family Services has interviewed Pitt and Jolie and plans to speak to the children.
“He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse on his children,” a source close to Pitt told TMZ. “It’s unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light.”
People, citing unnamed sources, reported Pitt didn’t return home with his family the night of the incident on the plane. Jolie filed for divorce Monday, listing their separation date as Sept. 15. She is seeking sole physical custody of the children.
“Angelina will always do what’s in the best interest to protect her children,” the actress’ manager, Geyer Kosinski, told E! News at the time. “She appreciates everyone’s understanding of their need for privacy at this time.”
“I am very saddened by [the divorce], but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids,” Pitt later said in a statement. “I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”
Pitt and Jolie married in 2014 after more than eight years together. The couple share 15-year-old Maddox, 12-year-old Pax, 11-year-old Zahara, 10-year-old Shiloh and 8-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
