FBI confirm it's 'gathering facts' about Brad Pitt abuse allegations

Officers at theFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have confirmed they are "gathering information" about an alleged incident involving Brad Pitt and his children.

On Thursday (22Sep) it was reported an investigation into the allegations had been handed over by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers to FBI agents as the alleged incident was outside of their jurisdiction due to the fact that it took place on a private jet flight from France last Wednesday (14Sep16).

On Monday (19Sep16), just days after the incident was alleged to have taken place, Angelina Jolie, 41, filed papers to end her two-year marriage to the 52-year-old actor, citing irreconcilable differences.

Now FBI agents have confirmed to the BBC they are evaluating whether to investigate any allegations against Pitt.

"In response to your inquiry regarding allegations within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; specifically, an aircraft carrying Mr Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued," a spokesperson for the Bureau told the BBC.

L.A.County Department of Children and Family Services officials are also reported to be investigating the alleged incident.

A source close to Pitt told USA Today that the Fight Club star intended to cooperate fully with any investigation and that he believed the child abuse allegations were baseless.

"The claims are greatly exaggerated or fabricated," the insider said. "But he’ll always do whatever is best for his kids. Despite being on the receiving end of an onslaught of allegations, he remains focused on doing whatever is best for the children.”

Editors at People.com report that Pitt is accused of being verbally abusive with one of his and Angelina's six children, as well as getting "physical" while the family was traveling in their private plane.

After news of the divorce hit headlines around the world, Pitt released a statement to People explaining that the welfare of his and Jolie's children was his primary concern.

"I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids," he said. "I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."