Celebrity

Brad Pitt Allegations: The Latest Claims

Celebrity

Brad Pitt Allegations: The Latest Claims

It’s been a confusing 24 hours for fans of Brad Pitt since it was reported that the LAPD was investigating the actor for alleged child abuse that happened on a recent plane trip with his family. On Thursday, TMZ and People broke the news that Brad had been “verbally abusive” and “physical” with one of his children while flying from France to the U.S. with Angelina Jolie and their kids. The LAPD has since confirmed that the actor is not being investigated while a source confirmed to People that an investigation by the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is “absolutely ongoing,” despite a spokeswoman confirming that the organization actually “can’t confirm or deny” anything due to confidentiality laws. It was later reported that the FBI took over the case because it occurred in the air. Here, a cheat sheet of sorts to catch you up on everything that’s happened so far.

The FBI is definitely involved. On Thursday, the FBI issued a statement to multiple outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and Us Weekly, confirming that it’s still in the early stages of an inquiry. “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.”

Brad’s “incident” was with Maddox. TMZ reports that Brad and Angelina had been arguing shortly after the plane took off when 15-year-old Maddox stepped in to “verbally” defend his mom. A source tells TMZ that Brad “lunged” at Maddox, causing Angie to jump in. Brad then allegedly “connected in some fashion” with Maddox. Other sources tell TMZ that Brad was drunk at the time of the argument. People, meanwhile has spoken to a source who says that while Brad was “drunk” and an argument happened, “He did not hit his child in the face in any way. He did not do that; he is emphatic about that. He put his hands on him, yes, because the confrontation was spiraling out of control.”

There’s a video. According to Us Weekly sources, a video of Brad and Angelina’s on board argument exists. Apparently, Brad can be seen “looking drunk” and “yelling” in the footage, taken Sept. 14 shortly after the family plane stopped in Minnesota to refuel. One source claims that while Brad “is seen yelling a lot” in the footage, there was “nothing physical.”

Brad has spoken to law enforcement about the incident. CNN reports that Brad has “cooperated” with L.A. authorities about the situation. Says one source, “He has always worked hard to be a good father and wants to do whatever is best for his family.”

Brad finally has a lawyer. A source tells The Hollywood Reporter that Brad has hired Lance Spiegel, who has represented the likes of Russell Simmons, Heather Locklear, and Charlie Sheen, to assist with his divorce proceedings. Angelina’s lawyer, Laura Wasser, was named almost immediately after news broke that she had filed for divorce. Wasser represented Jolie during her divorce from Billy Bob Thornton.

Angelina filed for divorce Tuesday, citing “irreconcilable differences.” She is asking for physical custody of the former couple’s six children, with Brad to have joint legal custody and visitation rights. Angelina’s filing comes just after their second wedding anniversary. Both Brad and Angelina released statements later that day confirming the split and the importance of their children during this time. Angelina said through her attorney, “This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time.” Brad said in a statement to People, “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.”

UPDATE 9/24/16, 3PM EST: US Weekly reports that Brad Pitt is “torn up” over the divorce and the fact that he hasn’t seen his six kids.

“He knows the severity of the allegations and wants to be cleared of abuse before he sees them,” a source told the magazine. “He is confident he will be cleared. The kids are asking to see Brad, so he is hoping to see them next week.”

“He’s so torn up and shattered, not only because of the divorce but because he hasn’t seen the kids and he really wants to. Being apart from them is part of why he’s so torn up,” another source added.