Brad Pitt Child Abuse Update: Actor Cleared By FBI Of Any Wrongdoing, How It May Affect Custody Battle With Angelina Jolie [VIDEO]
After initially being cleared earlier this month by the LAPD, Brad Pitt has also been cleared of child abuse charges by the FBI, and the investigation into the case is now closed.
After he and Angelina Jolie announced their divorce in September, allegations quickly followed that Jolie filed and requested sole physical custody of the pair's six children because she was concerned that Pitt was abusive after an altercation with eldest son, Maddox, on a plane as the family flew back from France to the U.S. not long before the filing.
"The FBI has conducted a review of the circumstances and will not pursue further investigation," FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said in a statement to USA Today. "No charges have been filed."
Jolie was reportedly interviewed extensively for hours by agents during the inquiry back in October, and has retained custody of the pair's six children-Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne-during the investigation, with Pitt only given visitation. However, now that he has been cleared, his attempt to pursue joint custody can move forward, meaning that Jolie may not be able to convince a judge that she is the parent who should have the kids full time.
However, even though he is still seeking joint custody, Pitt could still agree to terms that Jolie sets out in terms of whether or not he will have custody or simply visitation rights, as he has been reported to not want to make the split any more difficult on their kids and is putting them first.
"He wants to limit the fighting," sources said after reports surfaced Pitt was 'crushed' because he's only been able to see his children three times since the divorce filing. "Brad has been deferential on what's best for them and limits their stress. You don't just immediately create a new world."
Jolie and Pitt were together for 12 years and married for two.
