Brad Pitt, accused of child abuse, is under investigation

By Kim Hjelmgaard and Lorena Blas | USA Today |

Brad Pitt is being investigated after being accused of verbal and physical abuse against his children, according to multiple reports early Thursday.

The actor, whose wife Angelina Jolie filed for divorce Monday, is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services following an incident on a private jet, according to TMZ.

But the Los Angeles Police Department told USA TODAY Thursday that it is not investigating. “LAPD is not handling any report or allegations into child abuse against Brad Pitt,” according to a statement read by spokeswoman Officer Jenny Houser.

The Department of Children and Family Services says by law it cannot confirm or deny investigations, according to a statement from spokesman Armand Montiel.

Initial attempts to reach representatives for Jolie and Pitt were not successful.

People.com reports that Pitt is accused of getting verbally abusive with one of couple’s kids, as well as getting physical. People and TMZ both note that Jolie and at least some of the couple’s other children were present at the time. Pitt and Jolie have six children: Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 8.

According to TMZ, Pitt disputes the accusation and the LAPD is looking into the case because that is routine whenever anyone reports child abuse.