LAPD not investigating Brad Pitt for child abuse, but FBI 'gathering information'
Actor's co-star Marion Cotillard, meanwhile, takes to social media to reject affair rumours
The Los Angeles Police Department said it is not actively looking into any incident involving Brad Pitt, after media reports that the actor-producer was being probed over an alleged incident involving one of his children with wife Angelina Jolie.
"We have no investigation that we are involved in, there is no criminal investigation and we do not have any active investigation ongoing involved with Mr. Pitt," Sgt. Barry Montgomery told CBC News Thursday morning.
According to reports in People and TMZ.com, Pitt allegedly became verbally abusive and physical with one of his children in the presence of Angelina Jolie, several of their kids and others on the couple's private plane last week.
Jolie filed for divorce on Monday.
A representative from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services would not confirm or deny that Pitt is being investigated by the agency.
The FBI said late Thursday it's gathering information about an alleged incident involving the family on a private flight last week.
Spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said in a statement the agency is still evaluating whether to open its own investigation into allegations Pitt was abusive during the flight toward one of his six children.
On Monday, Jolie filed divorce papers, citing irreconcilable differences, and has requested sole physical custody of their six children.
The dissolution of one of contemporary Hollywood's most high-profile couples has garnered headlines worldwide and sparked fervent discussion.
The furor has even encompassed one of his co-stars. French actress and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, who appears with him in the upcoming film Allied, took to social media to reject rumours of an extramarital relationship with Pitt.
"Many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need," she wrote of French filmmaker Guillaume Canet — and confirming that she is pregnant — on Instagram.
"To those who have indicated that I am devastated, I am very well thank you. This crafted conversation isn't distressing," Cotillard wrote, adding that she hoped Jolie and Pitt "both of whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment."
With files from the Associated Press