Brad Pitt Child Abuse Allegations Trigger Investigation, FBI Informed: Reports

Updated: 10:56 p.m.: LOS ANGELES, CA — Allegations of child abuse against Brad Pitt have triggered a "routine" investigation, and the FBI was informed about "a child welfare" incident involving the actor aboard a flight.

The FBI confirmed to Patch that the agency is looking into the allegation of child abuse.

“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,” said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.

NBC News on Thursday reported that a source close to the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) told it about the investigation. NBC News reported that while the DCFS investigates, the actor "will not be allowed contact with the child or any of the child's five siblings, which is usual in such cases."

Pitt and actress and activist Angelina Jolie have six children together. Jolie filed for divorce on Monday.

Earlier Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department denied reports that it is investigating Pitt for child abuse following an alleged disturbance aboard a private jet.

“We are not handling an investigation, and we do not have any details about the incident,” LAPD Officer Tony Im told Patch.

TMZ first reported Thursday morning that Pitt is being investigated by the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Dept. of Children and Family Services "for allegedly getting verbally abusive and physical with his children, and that's what triggered the divorce."

The incident allegedly occurred during a drunken outburst aboard a private jet.

“TMZ actually reported something that was not accurate,” said Im. “Any incidents that happen in the air, the FBI would investigate.”

A spokesman for the the Los Angeles County Dept. of Children and Family Services said he could not confirm or deny the agency was involved in any investigation, citing laws regarding confidentiality.

According to TMZ, "sources familiar with the situation tell us Brad, Angelina and their kids were on a flight last Wednesday (Sept. 14) when he allegedly got wasted on the private jet. He allegedly went wild, screaming and getting physical with the kids."

Related: Angelina Jolie Files for Divorce from Brad Pitt

According to TMZ, the plane landed at an airport in Minnesota at about 8 p.m. Wednesday, "and witnesses say Pitt continued his rant on the tarmac, and even tried leaving in one of the fuel trucks."

"Our sources say someone either on the plane or the tarmac anonymously reported the incident to the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services. We're told Brad and Angelina have already been interviewed and DCFS plans to interview the kids as well. That investigation is ongoing," TMZ reported.

"We're also told the LAPD has the case ... which is routine when anyone reports child abuse. We do not know the specifics of the alleged abuse ... just that it was supposedly both verbal and physical," TMZ said.

"Our sources say this incident triggered Jolie to separate from Brad the next day and file for divorce just days later," according to TMZ.

TMZ reported that "a source close to Brad" said "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," the source said.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photo by Chris Natt via Wikimedia Commons