Judge refuses Brad Pitt’s request to seal custody filings

“I am extremely concerned that if court records regarding custody are not sealed, information contained therein will cause irreparable damage to our children’s privacy rights,” Pitt wrote in a sworn declaration filed Wednesday.

Pitt’s attorney Gary Fishbein declined comment after the hearing.

Jolie Pitt filed for divorce in September and currently has primary custody of their six children.

Her attorneys wrote in court filings Wednesday that Pitt’s request was an attempt to shield himself from embarrassing details when he seeks increased visitation with his children, stating that is contrary to a therapist’s recommendation.

“His … request is a thinly veiled attempt to shield himself, rather than the minor children, from public view,” Jolie Pitt’s attorneys wrote.

The divorce filing came days after a disagreement broke out on private flight ferrying the actors and their children from France to Los Angeles. Pitt was accused of being abusive toward his 15-year-old son during the flight, but investigations by child welfare officials and the FBI were closed with no charges being filed against the actor.

After filing for divorce, Jolie Pitt’s attorney said it was done “for the health of the family.”

Custody has been the primary issue in the divorce. Jolie Pitt is seeking sole custody of the children, while Pitt is seeking joint custody. A final agreement will be part of the couple’s divorce judgment when it is entered.

California law favours joint custody, although details about custody arrangements are rarely made public in celebrity divorce cases.

Jolie Pitt’s attorney Laura Wasser said the actress does not oppose sealing details of the pair’s custody arrangements, but Pitt’s attorneys did not consult with them before filing the motion Wednesday.

Pitt and Jolie were married for two years and together for 12 years after becoming close while filming 2005’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”

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Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP

Anthony McCartney, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Judge refuses Brad Pitt’s request to seal custody filings

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