The high-profile divorce between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is getting messy with reports the Hollywood star is under investigation for child abuse.

People Magazine reports that the Los Angeles Police Department and L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services are both investigating an anonymous accusation that Pitt got “verbally abusive” and “physical” with one of his children with Jolie on the couple’s private plane. 

Pitt is accused of verbally abusing one of the couple’s children, as well as getting “physical”, People quoted a source as saying.

The report said Jolie was present at the time, along with at least some of their other children.

It was also alleged that Pitt had been drinking at the time of the incident.

People cited another source saying that Pitt did not return to the family’s Los Angeles home with Jolie and the children after the incident. The source said that wasn’t unusual and the actor would often spend the night at a hotel after arguments with Jolie.

A source close to Pitt told People he is not taking the investigation lightly.

“He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children,” the source was quoted as saying. “It’s unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light.”

Jolie and Pitt announced their 12-year relationship was over earlier this week, prompting many to speculate on exactly what tore the loved-up duo apart.

Jolie’s filing reveals they, like many Hollywood couples, had “irreconcilable differences”.

Early reports suggested these differences arose from Jolie’s concern about Pitt’s parenting methods, while her lawyer claimed the decision was made “for the health of the family”.

Pitt, meanwhile, said in a statement to People he was “very saddened” by the divorce and emphasised the importance of his kids’ wellbeing.

‘Something very serious must have happened’

Those who know the family were shocked by the news – Pitt’s good friend George Clooney was forced to find out from a CNN reporter, while Jolie’s estranged father Jon Voight told Inside Edition he “didn’t know” what caused the separation.

Jolie’s divorce petition, filed on September 19, revealed she is not seeking spousal support but wants sole physical custody of their six children and for Pitt to have visitation rights.

However, she is happy to share legal custody with Pitt, meaning they would both be responsible for all decisions pertaining to their children.