'I HAD TO TAKE ACTION' Angelina Jolie insists she was protecting ‘the health of the family’ as ex Brad Pitt is cleared of child abuse

ANGELINA Jolie has said she had to take action against her ex Brad Pitt in a surprise statement released just hours after he was cleared of child abuse allegations.

In a statement to TMZ her rep said: “Angelina said from the beginning that she felt she had to take action for the health of the family and is relieved that after their 8-week involvement, the DCFS is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal.”

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Angelina Jolie retains physical custody of the couple’s six children

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Brad Pitt was cleared of claims he struck son Maddox on a private plane in September

Her rep went on to say that the estranged couple have a legal agreement in place – stating that Angelina has physical custody, while Brad has monitored visitation of their kids Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10 and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

The statement comes after the LA County Department of Children And Family Services (DCFS) closed its extensive investigation into the 52-year-old actor and concluded that he had not committed child abuse during an argument with Maddox on a private jet in September, reports TMZ.

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Maddox pictured on Oscars red carpet with parents Brad and Angelina

The site reports that Brad was “exhaustively investigated” and his estranged wife Angelina Jolie, 41, and all six children were interviewed by social workers and cooperated in the investigation.

Angelina, who filed for divorce from Brad in September, had alleged that he “intentionally and without justification struck” Maddox and that there was a pattern of misconduct – something which the DCFS found no evidence of.

This will help Brad, who stepped back into the spotlight last night at the premiere of new movie Allied, in his battle for joint custody over their children.

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Brad appears at premiere of new flick Allied with French co-star Marion Cotillard

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More kissing in new Allied trailer with Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard

Angelina currently has sole custody with Brad being granted “therapeutic visits.”

A representative for Angelina released a statement confirming the children will stay with their mother, and Brad, 52, will be allowed regular visits.

The statement explained: “In accordance with this [custody] agreement, the six children will stay in their mother’s custody, and the children will continue therapeutic visits with their father.

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Brad puts on a brave face at screening of war drama in Los Angeles

“This has been determined by childcare professionals to be in the children’s best interest.

“We are not in a position to discuss the details.

“We hope now that it is clear that the events which led to the dissolution filing involved minor children and their well being, there will be understanding of the sensitivity of the family situation.

“We believe that all sides are committed to healing the family and ask for your consideration during this difficult time.”