On Wednesday afternoon, TMZ reported that Brad Pitt was cleared of the child abuse allegations he faced after an alleged incident on a private jet in September. E! News also reported that the L.A. County of Department of Children and Family Services found no evidence of abuse and found Pitt not to be a danger to the children he shares with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. Bustle has reached out to Pitt and Jolie's representatives and the L.A. DCFS for comment, but has not heard back at this time. The L.A. DCFS Public Information Officer previously told Us Weekly: "We’re prohibited by law from disclosing case specific information or even identifying any involvement with any client."
While Pitt never commented on the abuse claims himself, The Independent previously reported that "a source close to the actor" told the site, "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 recognizes it is a serious matter and he is willing to do whatever will be best for his family."
On Nov. 8, Us Weekly reported that, according to a statement from Jolie's rep, the actors had reached a custody agreement for their six children. Reportedly, Jolie has custody of all six children at this time, but they are having "therapeutic visitations" with their father, who also reportedly retains shared legal custody. At the time, though, there were conflicting reports as to whether the former couple had reached a permanent agreement or were continuing a temporary agreement. People reported on Nov. 5 that Pitt had reportedly filed for joint custody. Jolie and Pitt's reps did not respond to Bustle's request for comment on these reports.
The alleged incident on the plane was reported to have been investigated by the FBI. The FBI gave Bustle the following statement in September:
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.
Regarding a new report that claimed the investigation moved forward, the FBI told Bustle it is unable to confirm media reports and that its position remained the same.
When their divorce was first announced, Pitt released a statement to People which reads,
I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.
Jolie's attorney told People at the time,
Angelina Jolie Pitt has filed for dissolution of the marriage. 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.
