Actor Brad Pitt has confirmed he will miss the premiere of his latest film in Los Angeles on Wednesday to focus on his "family situation".

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt last week - citing irreconcilable differences - and asked for custody of their six children.

Pitt was due to attend the premiere of a new documentary he narrated, Voyage Of Time, directed by Terrence Malick, at the California Science Centre Imax Theatre.

However in a statement, he explained how he didn't want to "distract attention away from the film".

"Terrence's Voyage of Time is an incredibly beautiful and unique experiential Imax film for children and families chronicling the birth of time", he said.

"I'm very grateful to be part of such a fascinating and educational project, but I'm currently focused on my family situation and don't want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film, which I encourage everyone to see."

Jolie, 41, and Pitt, 52, known collectively as Brangelina, married in 2014 after 10 years together.

Jolie's lawyer Robert Offer said the actress had filed for the dissolution of the marriage "for the health of the family".

The FBI are currently investigating child abuse allegations involving Brad Pitt and his family aboard a private flight.