Brad Pitt ‘Cooperating Fully’ With DCFS Investigation, Including Drug Test Request
Brad Pitt (Photo: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
After 12 years and six kids together, Angelina Jolie files for divorce from Brad Pitt just after their two-year wedding anniversary. Subscribe now for the real story behind the split, only in PEOPLE.
PEOPLE has confirmed that Brad Pitt took a drug test voluntarily, and that the actor is cooperating fully and willingly with the Department of Children and Family Services.
Pitt, 52, is accused of being “verbally abusive” and getting “physical” with son Maddox, 15, while he and wife Angelina Jolie were returning from France to their L.A. home on a private plane on Sept. 14. An investigation into the alleged incident has been launched by the L.A. County DCFS after it was reported anonymously.
A DCFS spokesperson told PEOPLE that drug testing parents during abuse investigations is “very standard.”
“He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children,” a source close to Pitt told PEOPLE. “It’s unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light.” Another source said, “Brad has been interviewed and is cooperating fully. The case remains open.”
The case was also referred to the FBI under special aircraft jurisdiction, as the incident occurred mid-flight. But a source close to the actor tells PEOPLE that it does not seem likely at this time that the FBI will be recommending further investigation into the matter.
“I find it very hard to believe that they would take action with the facts that have been presented, given the fact that I don’t believe the child received any injuries,” David Kubiliun, chairman of Greenspoon Marder’s criminal law practice group tells PEOPLE.
For more on Jolie and Pitt’s divorce, watch People Cover Story: Brad & Angelina on the new People/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN). Go to people.com/PEN or download the free app on your Smart TV, mobile and Web devices.
A source with knowledge of the situation previously told PEOPLE that Pitt did not strike Maddox but rather, “made contact” with him “in the shoulder area.” The source explained, “There was absolutely no physical injury to him.”
Certified family law specialist Stephanie I. Blum of Reuben Raucher & Blum told PEOPLE that DCFS is looking into the incident because they are required to investigate anything reported.
She explains, “A representative of DCFS will advise the individual of the complaints/allegations against him or her but will do so in such a way as to protect the identity of the reporting individual.”
At the investigation’s completion, DCFS will decide whether or not the allegations are true. If they’re determined to be unfounded, DCFS will completely close the case, said Blum.
DCFS’ involvement into the couple’s divorce will complicate handling custody agreements, Blum speculates.
Jolie requested sole physical custody of the couple’s six children when she filed for divorce in Los Angeles, Monday.
“It is not better for anyone, not the children, and not the parents to be in Dependency Court, which is where the case could end up if DCFS believes that a child/children is a victim of child abuse,” Blum explains. “Angelina and Brad (and their children) are far better off working through their custody issues between them (via counsel if necessary) or if they cannot broker an agreement, by letting the family law court decide custody.”
