Shortly after the world learned that Angelina Jolie had filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, rumors began to circulate about the reasoning behind Angie’s decision to end the A-list romance.
Most pointed the finger at Brad, and the allegations against him became progressively harsher with the passage of time.
At first, there were vague insinuations about Pitt’s drug use and “anger problem.”
Typical Hollywood breakup stuff.
As the tabloid press continued digging, however, it began to look as though Pitt’s issues were more severe than originally thought.
Pitt is currently being investigated by the FBI in connection with child abuse allegations after a September 14 flight, during which the actor allegedly got into a physical altercation with teenage son Maddox.
The investigation is a result of an anonymous phone call made by someone else who was aboard the flight.
The case was briefly turned over to the FBI (incidents on mid-air flights fall under the federal jurisdiction), but is now being spearheaded by the LA Department of Child and Family Services, after the bureau determined there was no need for it to proceed with an investigation.
It’s unlikely that Brad will face any criminal charges, but Pitt and Jolie are in the midst of an ugly custody battle, and Angelina is reportedly fighting for full physical custody.
Given the circumstances of their split, Pitt is understandably concerned that the judge will find in her favor, and sources say he’s doing everything he can to participate with the DCFS.
According to People magazine, Pitt recently submitted to a routine drug test in accordance with the department’s wishes.
“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.”
“Brad has been interviewed and is cooperating fully,” said another source. “The case remains open.”
A DCFS spokesperson described the drug test as “very standard.”
It was initially reported that whatever happened on the flight was so severe that it caused Jolie to flee her otherwise stable relationship the next day.
Sources are now claiming, however, that by the time they boarded that fateful flight, Brad and Angie’s marriage was already damaged beyond repair.
“Their arguments, progressively became more frequent,” a friend of Brad’s tells TMZ.
Other insiders say that while Pitt and Jolie were having problems, but Brad’s behavior aboard the plane was the nail in their relationship’s coffin.
“When Maddox intervened to protect Angelina, Brad got up in his face and screamed at him to mind his own business,” says a Jolie source, who adds that Brad got so angry that he caused physical damage to the plane.
Sounds like this situation will likely get worse before it gets any better.