Brad Pitt abuse allegations: LAPD says it is not investigating actor over reports of incident with children
EXCLUSIVE: Reports claimed actor was being investigated by police
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Los Angeles Police Department is not investigating any allegations of abuse involving Brad Pitt or his children, The Independent can reveal.
Reports from TMZ and People had claimed an incident had occured involving Pitt, his estranged wife Angelina Jolie and their children on a plane and as they exited it. Someone who witnessed the alleged incident reported it anonymously, according to the reports.
Pitt is reported to have been drinking at the time and became agitated on the private jet the family was travelling on. It was also claimed the incident was being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department after being reported to the LA County Department of Children and Family Services. TMZ said this was standard procedure when an incident is reported.
However, a spokesperson for the LAPD told the Independent: “We only found out through calls this morning, we contacted divisions that would be handling it and they’ve said no.”
Pitt denies any allegations of any abuse against his children, a source close to the actor has said.
The source told the Independent: “He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children. It’s unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light.
“I think the most important thing is the fact that he is co-operating and that he takes it seriously, he recognises it is a serious matter and he is willing to do whatever will be best for his family.”
The source said Pitt has refrained from any “negativity” in order to resolve the divorce as quickly as possible for the sake of their children.
Jolie, 41, filed for divorce on 19 September. In legal filings cited by TMZ, she expressed concerns over the way Pitt, 52, was “parenting the children”.
Jolie requested physical custody and joint legal custody of their six children and asked for Pitt to be granted visitation rights.
The Independent understands Pitt will seek joint custody.
Representatives for Jolie did not respond to a request for comment.