FBI agents are reportedly stepping in to take charge of an alleged child abuse investigation surrounding Brad Pitt.
It was initially reported officials from the Los Angeles Police Department and L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services were looking into the alleged incident, which took place on a private jet last week, days before Angelina Jolie filed papers to end her two-year marriage to Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences.
The DCFS investigation is still said to be ongoing, but an LAPD spokesman has made it clear detectives are not involved and do not have an open case on the actor.
“LAPD is not handling any report or allegations into child abuse for Mr. Brad Pitt,” the representatives tells Us Weekly.
Following the divorce shocker, Angelina’s attorney made it public the actress had chosen to end her relationship with Brad for the “health of the family”.
The original TMZ report suggested all six of the couple’s kids were on board the private jet when the incident that prompted the alleged investigation took place. The actor and Angelina have reportedly already been interviewed, with the DCFS officials allegedly planning to interview the children as they continue to look into the issue.
Now sources tell People the case has been referred to the FBI as the reported altercation occurred while the jet was in the air, en route to Los Angeles.
After news of the divorce hit headlines around the world, Pitt released a statement to People magazine, explaining his focus is on his children.
“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids,” he said. “I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”