FBI will NOT prosecute Brad Pitt over alleged ‘physical abuse’ claims against son Maddox on family jet
BRAD Pitt will not be prosecuted by the FBI over allegations he "physically abused" his son Maddox during a row on the family's private jet.
A source within the agency says no charges will be brought against the Hollywood star as there was "no case to begin with".
Last month reports emerged that Pitt had been referred to LA County Department of Children and Family Services, which notified LAPD, which in turn passed the case on to the FBI.
But now law enforcement sources claim the bureau never opened an official investigation into the star and that it should never have been involved in the first place, reports.
The website claimed the actor was accused of "physical and verbal abuse", with police descending on the film star's Hollywood Hills compound that he had previously shared with estranged wife Angelina Jolie.
It had previously reported that the 52-year-old was under investigation by the LAPD and LA County Department of Children and Family Services.
However, the involving the Fight Club star.
In an earlier statement to US Weekly, LA County Department of Children and Family Services Public Information Officer Neil Zanville said: “We’re prohibited by law from disclosing case specific information or even identifying any involvement with any client."
Sources told The Sun: “It is extremely high profile - so if the police had been called, they would be looking into it. It would be investigated fully.
“But there is no paperwork trail showing any kind of involvement from the police at all.”
It is understood that the matter was referred to the FBI as the incident happened in the air.
But last week the agency said in a statement: "The FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued."
Maddox, 15, was not injured and law enforcement sources said there was "no way to conclusively prove Brad intentionally inflicted harm on his son."
Sources close to Jolie had previously said the actress would refuse to cooperate with police if Pitt was prosecuted, but that was never going to happen.
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The incident allegedly happened on a private jet in September that triggered the couple's £310million divorce.
TMZ states that: "He allegedly went wild, screaming and getting physical with the kids... the plane landed at an airport around 8pm, and witnesses say Pitt continued his rant on the tarmac, and even tried leaving in one of the fuel trucks."
The incident was allegedly reported to authorities either by someone on the plane, or a member of ground staff.
Both Brad and Angelina, 41, have apparently already been interviewed by officials and the children will also be spoken to.
TMZ add that "the LAPD were informed as it's routine for them to be notified of any child abuse reports".
A source close to Brad told TMZ: "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."
Angelina filed for divorce on Monday, ending the couple's two year marriage.
The couple fell in love while filming Mr and Mrs Smith in 2004, and soon become one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples.
It was originally speculated that she had filed for divorce as Brad had grown close to his Allied co-star Marion Cotillard, 40.
This has been vehemently denied by the Parisian actress, who is currently pregnant with her second child.
reported that the Tomb Raider star hired a private investigator to spy on her husband on the set of his latest film — where they claim she learned he was cheating.
The “well placed source” told the paper’s section that there is no turning back for the couple.
There's been much speculation about just why Angelina and Brad have ended their marriage since Angelina's shock move on Monday.
claimed it was not over an affair at all, instead making the incredible accusation that Angelina had become '"fed up" with Brad's consumption of weed and possibly alcohol, and mixed with what she believes is "an anger problem" felt was affecting the children.
She also reportedly became upset over his parenting methods, with the couple differing in their approach to bringing up their six kids.
But a source told TMZ the claims around Pitt's parenting were a "malicious lie", saying "he's a loving and devoted father who has never and would never put his children in any dangerous situation".
The source also said that the father of six wanted to remain a "present father" for the brood.
One person who seems quite pleased to see the famous pair go their separate ways is Brad's ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston.
She reportedly told pals it was "karma" catching up with Angelina, who famously started dating Brad while he was married to her.
However, now Jen – who is happily married to Justin Theroux – has had the last laugh and a source close to the star told US Weekly that she “feels sort of satisfied about Brad and Angelina’s split”.
The insider added that Jen, 47, also said: “Yeah, that’s karma for you!”
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