Angelina Jolie claimed the judge overseeing her custody case was “biased” and favored her ex-husband Brad Pitt – and now the “Maleficent” actress is using her experience to push for legislation to vet “corrupt” court officials.
In a two-page letter dated Sept. 29 obtained by the Post, the actress and former Goodwill ambassador called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to support “Piqui's Law,” which would require domestic violence training for judges, mediators and other court professionals the effects of child abuse and trauma.
A source close to Jolie told The Post that the actress is pushing for legislation after the trauma she experienced under Los Angeles Judge John W. Ouderkirk, who barred her children from testifying about domestic violence they suffered at the hands of her father had experienced.
“This is personal to her and for good reason,” a source close to Jolie told The Post. “Look at what she expected from a biased judge who was removed by the Court of Appeal for his corrupt and secret financial dealings with Brad Pitt's team, which violated legal ethics in her family's case, and who refused to admit evidence of domestic violence check.”
Angelina Jolie criticized the “corrupt” judge in her custody case. AP
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pictured at the opening premiere of “By The Sea” at AFI Fest 2015 on November 5, 2015 in Los Angeles. The former A-list couple had a nearly five-year custody battle that was overseen by a private judge in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
“It's no surprise that she took on this particular issue. Her entire family is a victim of a systemic failure. She has been fighting privately for her family and publicly for other families for years.”
However, sources close to Brad Pitt told The Post that Jolie was using “her usual tactics” to “misrepresent the truth” and damage the reputation of the judge and other professionals who testified against the actress.
Ouderkirk, a retired private judge who actually officiated the former couple's wedding, ruled in May 2021 that the couple would retain 50/50 custody of their children.
The couple have six children – Maddox, 22, Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, Shiloh, 17, and twins Knox and Vivienne, who are 15. The actress said Ouderkirk denied her children the opportunity to testify, even though California law allowed children 14 years old and older to do so.
Los Angeles Judge John W. Ouderkirk, a retired private judge, presided over Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's wedding and later their divorce and heated child custody battle. Alternative solution centers
Jolie challenged the judge's temporary custody decision and filed a motion with the appeals court to remove Ouderkirk from the case.
The appeals court ruled in July 2021 that Ouderkirk should be removed from the case because the retired judge did not adequately disclose business relationships with Pitt's lawyers.
Sources close to Jolie's legal team said the appeals court also overturned Ouderkirk's temporary custody order.
However, sources close to Pitt's legal team told the Post that the appeals court's 2021 ruling was based on a “technical procedure” and had nothing to do with the facts in the custody case.
“Judge Ouderkirk had no dealings with anyone,” sources close to Pitt’s legal team said. “Like other private judges, he was assigned other cases by Ms. Jolie's and Mr. Pitts' lawyers, which he disclosed.
“It is disappointing but not surprising that she continues to manipulate the media and the public [Donald] Trump-like distortions and intentional misrepresentations without regard to the harm they cause to innocent third parties who are just trying to do their jobs.”
Sources close to Pitt's team added: “While the legislation she supports may be very viable, it has nothing to do with her custody case.” It's inexplicable why she used her advocacy to launch another defamatory attempt, everyone to ignore objective facts in order to advance their own interests.”
If passed, Piqui's law – named after a five-year-old boy killed by his father in 2017 – would also prevent abused children from being separated from their non-violent parents and prevent children from going to reunification camps.
Angelina Jolie with children Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt, Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt and Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt attend the special screening of “The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” at the Crosby Street Hotel on February 25, 2019 in New York City. Getty Images for Netflix
During the nearly five-year custody battle, Jolie fought to retain custody of the children after a 2016 incident ultimately broke up the family.
The 59-year-old “Fight Club” star reportedly freaked out during a flight on September 14, 2016, when Jolie claimed her then-husband, who had been drinking, took her to the bathroom, “grabbed her by the head, shook her.” according to an FBI report obtained by Page Six.
The report also states that Pitt also shook Jolie's shoulders when they argued about one of their children.
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting at the Hilton Midtown on September 18, 2023 in New York City. Angelina Jolie wrote Newsom a two-page letter urging him to support Senate Bill 331, or “Piqui's Law,” which would require domestic violence training for judges and other court officials. WireImage
She claimed he hit the ceiling of the plane four times after telling her, “You're ruining this family.” When the children asked, “Are you OK, Mom?” Pitt allegedly replied, “No, you “It’s not going well, she’s ruining this family, she’s crazy.”
One of the children – whose name was redacted from the report – shouted, “It's not her, it's you, you motherfucker,” according to the report. Pitt then allegedly ran towards the child, but Jolie held him back, suffering injuries to his back and elbow.
Six days after the flight, Jolie filed for divorce. Ultimately, however, the FBI did not press charges against Pitt.
The FBI filed a probable cause statement against Pitt, but ultimately did not press charges against the actor.
“After reviewing the document, representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office discussed the merits of this investigation with the clerk. “All parties agreed that this case would not be prosecuted for several reasons,” an FBI agent wrote in a report recalling the Nov. 22, 2016, meeting.
The Jolie-Pitt clan in happier times. WireImage
A source close to Jolie said the judge's decision not to allow her children to testify should not happen to other children and that Piqui's law would protect that right.
“As a reminder, to date Pitt has never denied his abusive behavior,” the source said. “New training for judges is absolutely necessary. If that had happened to Jolie in her trial, imagine what would happen across the country.”
A source close to Pitt said the “Bullet Train” actor admitted he was wrong about the plane incident, but pointed out that no charges have been filed against him.
Actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 84th Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California. WireImage
“Brad has admitted that he was wrong about his behavior on the plane and the authorities who reviewed the matter have decided not to press charges,” the source said. “These FBI reports were presented as evidence in the custody hearing where he was awarded continued 50/50 custody.
“She tried to destroy everyone who testified or argued against her. These defamatory statements against Judge Ouderkirk are demonstrably false, and she even took action against a child evaluator who testified in the case.”
The legal battle between the two stars is far from over as they continue to fight over the French vineyard they once shared. A hearing is scheduled for this civil matter in Los Angeles this week.
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