Brad Pitt’s desperate plea to Angelina Jolie as FBI continues investigation into alleged child abuse
Friends close to the Hollywood actor remain concerned for the star's well-being following supposed 'smear campaign' by Team Ange
DESPERATE Brad Pitt has begged wife Angelina Jolie: “Please just let me see my kids.”
Angelina, 41, is blocking the actor, 52, from visiting their six children while the FBI continue an investigation into alleged child abuse.
We told yesterday how Brad got into a fight with adopted 15-year-old son Maddox on a private jet last Wednesday.
Insiders have since claimed the teenager, originally from Cambodia, was defending his mum when Brad lunged at him.
But last night a source close to the family played down the row, some of which may have been caught on tape.
They told us: “There was a tense moment on the plane but nothing that came close to anything constituting child abuse.
“Brad is a caring parent but, like many fathers, his relationship with his son can be strained at times. They had started arguing before they were even on the plane and it was tense afterwards.”
Sources close to Brad are also worried about his state of mind. He fears losing his wife at the same time as his kids Maddox, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, ten, Knox, eight, and Vivienne, eight.
The insider added: “Brad is in a mess right now. He isn’t able to see the kids and he is desperately trying to make sure they are OK by calling valued members of his and Angelina’s staff.
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“He isn’t worried about his own reputation right now. His complete and utter devastation has come from what his children are going through.”
Members of Angelina’s team have been accused of exaggerating the claims to smear Brad.
A friend of the couple said: “Fame aside, they are a normal family, with two caring parents.
"And it’s sad that some people are continuing a public smear campaign against Brad that only makes things more difficult for the kids and everyone.”
Brad is known for being the disciplinarian in the family to balance Angelina’s more liberal parenting methods.
But the pal added: “Brad can be strict, but that’s what kids need sometimes, especially teenagers. He doesn’t want them to grow up as spoilt brats.
“But he spends a lot of time with Maddox, one on one, just hanging out, so none of these claims make practical sense.”
Brad’s ex Elizabeth Daily said yesterday: “He loves those kids so I don’t believe any of that stuff. He always wanted children.”
The FBI is probing events on the jet, which was flying from France to Minnesota, US.
Spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said: “The FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued.”
Angelina has cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
We told last week how Brad offered to go into therapy to save his marriage — admitting he yelled during confrontations, smoked weed and boozed.
NOW HE HIRES TOP LAWYER, TOO
By JACK LING
BRAD Pitt has hired Hollywood lawyer Lance Spiegel as he prepares to battle Angelina Jolie in court.
Spiegel has represented star clients including Michael Jackson and Charlie Sheen.
The University of Southern California School of Law graduate, 70, has also represented Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria during her split from NBA basketballer Tony Parker and Gossip Girls actress Kelly Rutherford in her custody battle.
In the other camp, Angelina is retaining divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, who represented her during her 2003 split from actor Billy Bob Thornton.
Wasser, 48, also advised actor Johnny Depp during his recent divorce from actress Amber Heard.
Angelina filed for divorce for “the health of her family” – just two years after she and Brad married at their French estate, Chateau Miraval.