LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Angelina Jolie is urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to back Piqui's Law that makes domestic abuse training for judges dealing with child custody battles mandatory and also prohibits courts from placing kids into reunification camps.
This news comes after Jolie allegedly felt that the judge overseeing her custody case was biased toward her former husband, Brad Pitt.
Formally known as Senate Bill 331, Piqui's Law passed the California legislature on September 15 and is awaiting the Governor's signature to take full effect.
On coming into effect, the bill would block children from going into 'reunification camps' where they are forced to live with their abusive parent.
The law's mandate to have judicial officers and mediators take domestic violence training programs is aimed at increasing their sensitivity and understand the impact of child abuse and trauma.
Who is Piqui's Law named after?
The bill is named after Aramazd Andressian Jr, a 5-year-old boy who was killed by his father after a trip to Disneyland in 2017. His mother Ana Estevez had warned officials that his father was dangerous when she tried to divorce him.
However, the man was granted joint custody of their son, affectionately called Piqui. The judge allowed the man to take the boy on vacation, unsupervised.
The man initially claimed that his son had been abducted, but months later, led police to the spot where he had been buried in a wooded area near Santa Barbara.
On September 18, activists gathered on the steps outside Pasadena City Hall urging Newsom to support the bill. If the governor does not sign or veto the bill by October 14, it becomes law on January 1, 2024.
Why does Angelina Joie want to invoke Piqui's Law against Brad Pitt?
According to the Daily Mail, a source close to the actress said that she is pushing for the legislation after Los Angeles Judge John Ouderkirk refused to let her children testify about domestic violence they suffered at the hands of their father.
Ouderkirk had ruled in May 2021 that Jolie and Pitt would maintain even-split custody of their children. He was later removed from the case after he failed to disclose his business dealings with Pitt’s attorneys.
However, sources close to Pitt have reportedly stated to the New York Post Jolie is trying to "misrepresent the truth" and harm the reputation of those who have testified against her.
Why is Angelina Jolie fighting for the custody of her children?
Jolie is fighting for her children's custody after a 2016 altercation with Pitt, which is detailed in an FBI report.
During a private flight to France, Pitt, who was drinking, grabbed her by the head and then by her shoulders, shaking her.
According to Jolie, Pitt said "You're f**king up this family," and punched the ceiling four times.
When the children asked if she was okay, Pitt said: "No, she’s not okay, she’s ruining this family, she’s crazy."
One child then allegedly retorted back, "It’s not her, it’s you, you p***k!" This allegedly made Pitt charge at the child, and Jolie had to hold him back, causing injuries to her back and elbow.
She filed for divorce six days later, but the FBI did not pursue charges against Pitt.
