Judge refuses Pitt’s request to seal files

A judge on Wednesday rejected Brad Pitt’s request to seal details about custody arrangements in his divorce from Angelina Jolie Pitt.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard J. Burdge Jr. denied Pitt’s request in a brief written order that states the filing did not meet the requirements for sealing details at this time. Pitt had sought to seal details of his custody dispute with Jolie Pitt at an emergency hearing.

Pitt’s motion came two days after the release of a custody agreement that he and his estranged wife reached in late October. The agreement calls for the actor to have visitation with his children under the guidance of a therapist. Pitt intends to seek temporary custody orders, and his filing states he wanted those documents sealed to protect the children’s privacy.

“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 declined comment after the hearing. Jolie Pitt filed for divorce in September and 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.

ABRAHAM CARO MARIN/AP Brad Pitt was seeking to seal details of his custody dispute with estranged wife Angelina Jolie Pitt.