Brad Pitt Cleared of Child Abuse Allegations by Children and Family Services: Reports

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services declined comment Thursday on reports that the agency has cleared actor Brad Pitt of abuse allegations.

"Confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the subjects of our investigations and the results of the investigation," said Amara Suarez of the DCFS Public Affairs office.

TMZ.com, citing unnamed law enforcement sources, reported that DCFS concluded Wednesday it would close the investigation involving an incident in September between Brad and (son) Maddox on a private jet.

The Department reached the decision -- Brad did not commit child abuse during an argument that ended with physical contact," TMZ reported.

"The case was exhaustively investigated. Social workers interviewed Brad, Angelina (Jolie), the kids and witnesses on the plane. Everyone cooperated in the investigation. No further action will be taken."

TMZ wrote that the department's conclusion represents a repudiation of sorts of allegations made by estranged wife Angelina Jolie, who reportedly claimed Pitt struck the boy without justification. Since the announcement of their divorce, Jolie has been holing up in Malibu and Hidden Hills with the couple's six children.

In their divorce proceedings, Jolie is reported to be holding out for sole custody of their children while Pitt wants joint custody. The L.A. County ruling could strengthen Pitt's hand, according to TMZ.

-- City News Service, photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures