Child Abuse Allegations Against Brad Pitt Maybe Investigated By FBI, Child Services
The Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie divorce proceedings has triggered serious allegations of child abuse against Pitt, who has reportedly denied such claims.
An incident aboard a flight on Sept. 14 has become the flashpoint for the accusations. A drunken Pitt allegedly behaved inappropriately in front of kids during the flight. The family was flying from France to United States in a private jet.
The news that authorities were investigating Pitt for child abuse was first reported by TMZ. According to the report, Pitt was both verbally and physically abusive to his children during the flight. Pitt also apparently attempted to drive a fuel truck on landing. TMZ claims that an anonymous tip was sent to the authorities regarding the abuse.
LA Times reports that Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services is now investigating the incident but the Los Angeles Police Department has said it not handling any such reports. The case has been since referred to FBI as well since the incident occurred mid-air, which would come under FBI's jurisdiction.
"The FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued," said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller in a statement.
A report in Page Six cites a source saying that Brad Pitt is livid about these allegations, calling them baseless. Pitt admits to yelling at one of his kids during the flight but says he has never physically hurt his kids.
According to the source, Angelina Jolie is using this as a part of her campaign to take the kids away. The report further states that she wants to take up a role with the United Nations, but wants full custody before doing so.
Pitt has been interviewed by chid service authorities on the matter and is said to be cooperating fully.
Jolie filed for a divorce earlier this week seeking full physical custody but shared legal custody. She has said she is willing to provide visitation rights to Pitt.
