
Update 9/22, 1:40 p.m.: TMZ is now claiming that the case against Brad Pitt has been referred to the FBI, as LAPD "did not have jurisdiction because the alleged incident occurred in the air, on a flight from France to the U.S." And the saga continues...
Update 9/22, 11 a.m.: Despite earlier reports, the LAPD has issued a statement saying they are "not handling any report or allegations into child abuse for Mr. Brad Pitt." Officer Jenny Houser adds, "The child abuse unit with LAPD has no open investigation on Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie."
Amara Suarez, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, issued a statement that the organization "can't confirm or deny the subjects of our investigations due to confidentiality laws."
Original story:
Following news that Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, TMZ reports that the actor is being investigated by the LAPD and L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services for child abuse.
Pitt was allegedly verbally and physically abusive with his children while on a flight last Wednesday, when he was drunk on a private jet: "He allegedly went wild, screaming and getting physical with the kids."
The plane reportedly landed at 8 p.m. and Pitt continued to show signs of anger on the tarmac. At this point, someone reported him to the department of Children and Family Services, who are said to have already interviewed the couple, and plan to interview the kids.
TMZ cites the investigation as "ongoing," and a source close to Pitt tells them, "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."
The incident was allegedly the catalyst for Jolie's divorce filing, which took place a few days later. You can read her statement here, and Pitt's statement here.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Eva Mendes Shaves Her Face Every Other Day: “I’m a Beast”
“My hair grows back if I get chills.”
By Samantha Holender
-
Hollywood's Next A-List
You may not recognize all of them...yet. But these 22 individuals have delivered some of the most triumphant on-screen performances in recent memory.
By Neha Prakash
-
The Ambition Issue
A celebration of striving for success in whatever's most important to you.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors