People magazine is reporting that child abuse allegations against Brad Pitt have been referred to the FBI. TMZ reported on the allegations Thursday morning, indicating that Pitt was under investigation by the Los Angeles County Department Of Children And Family Services, as well as the Los Angeles Police Department. However, neither department would confirm or deny that an investigation was ongoing. According to TMZ’s sources, Pitt allegedly became “verbally abusive and physical” with one of his children while on a private jet on September 14. The same sources indicated that Pitt was intoxicated during the alleged incident.
Now People has learned that the allegations have been referred to the FBI, which it notes has “jurisdiction over the situation because the alleged incident occurred in the air” while Pitt was on a flight home from France with his family. Previously, an LAPD spokesperson told People it was not currently “handling any report or allegations into child abuse against Brad Pitt,” but the publication’s source claims the investigation is indeed ongoing.
Fox News also reports that the case has been referred to the FBI, citing an LAPD spokesperson. Federal sources tell the outlet they haven’t “officially determined whether there is any merit to the case.” But Child Protective Services would handle the matter “if there was a law or laws broken,“ because “the jurisdiction very likely would not reside with the FBI, but with local authorities.” Meanwhile, CNN has learned from a source that Pitt is cooperating and “is taking this very seriously.”
Earlier this week, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt, and requested full custody of their six children.