When the world first learned that Angelina Jolie had filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, it was widely assumed that the intensely private screen icons would at least maintain the illusion of an amicable split as they ironed out the details a divorce that would require them to divide up tens of millions in shared assets and custody six children.
It quickly became clear, however, that the conditions that led the A-listers to call it quits would also make it impossible for them to hide the messy details of their legal wrangling.
Shortly after news of their separation was revealed, the press learned that Pitt was being investigated for child abuse as a result of an altercation with his eldest son, Maddox, that allegedly took place aboard a private jet back in September.
Due to the fact that the incident happened during a mid-air flight, the matter was turned over to the FBI.
The whole thing made it easy for Angelina to secure sole physical custody of the kids and dictate the conditions under which Brad is permitted to see his children.
For obvious reasons, she’s taking that authority very seriously.
Sources close to the situation say Pitt has only been allowed three supervised visits with his children over the course of the past two months.
Now, an insider close to Pitt has revealed to Us Weekly that the actor is absolutely devastated by not being permitted to see his kids.
“He’s crushed,” says the unnamed friend, noting that Pitt once said he was “aiming for a dozen” children.
The source adds that Pitt is not without legal recourse, but has declined to challenge the decision for the benefit of his kids.
“He wants to limit the fighting,” says the source.
The Jolie-Pitt children were homeschooled and were encouraged to invite friends over to the family’s “super kid-friendly” LA mansion as often as possible.
As a result of their constant presence in the home, their sudden absence is being felt even more acutely by Pitt.
The actor is reportedly hoping that he and Jolie will be able to peacefully reach an agreement in the coming months, but is all too aware that he may have an ugly fight in store.
Last week, Pitt made his first public appearance since the split at a premiere event for his new movie, Allied.
He will reportedly be doing limited promotions for the film.