Child abuse investigators clear Brad Pitt over in-flight argument with teenage son, Maddox
An investigation into whether Brad Pitt was abusive toward his teenage son on a private flight in September says the case has been closed with no finding of abuse by the actor, a source familiar with the inquiry said.
The source, who was not authorised to speak publicly, said the investigation was closed within the past few days.
Multiples sources have said the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services had been looking into allegations Pitt was abusive toward his 15-year-old son, Maddox, during an argument on the flight in mid-September. Pitt’s wife, Angelina Jolie Pitt, filed for divorce days after the incident, and her attorney said it was “for the health of the family.”
A department spokesman said the agency could not confirm it investigated Pitt.
Custody of the actors’ six children has been the primary issue in their divorce. Jolie Pitt is seeking sole custody of the children, while Pitt is seeking joint custody.
Pitt has had visitation with his children under terms agreed upon by the former couple. Jolie Pitt’s representatives said Monday that an agreement on custody had been reached granting her custody of all the children, although a final agreement will be part of the couple’s divorce judgement when it is entered.
California law favours joint custody, although details about custody arrangements are rarely made public in celebrity divorce cases.
A representative for Jolie said the actress is relieved that the inquiry is over and that the custody arrangements in place will allow the children to heal.
A representative for Pitt declined comment.
Pitt and Jolie were married for two years and together for 12 years after becoming close while filming 2005’s Mr & Mrs Smith.
