Brad Pitt cancels commitments for 'family situation'

Brad Pitt and his son Knox Jolie-Pitt attend the MotoGP British Grand Prix race at Silverstone ahead of the release of documentary Hitting The Apex. Photo / Getty

Brad Pitt has backed out of a scheduled red carpet commitment this week, saying in a statement that his "family situation" is his main focus right now.

Pitt narrates the new Terrence Malick-directed documentary Voyage of Time, and was due to appear in New York on Wednesday to promote the film, but cancelled all commitments in the wake of his shock split from wife Angelina Jolie.

Brad Pitt is seen coming out of a hotel in Soho on July 21, 2016 in New York City. Photo / Getty

"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," he said in a statement.

This marks Pitt's second public statement since the divorce was announced last Monday, when he issued a plea for privacy.

"I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids," he said at the time.

Actor Brad Pitt is seen on July 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Photo / Getty

"I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."

The couple's six children are said to be desperate to see Pitt as the actor turns to Jolie's dad to play peacemaker.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are seen after landing at Los Angeles International Airport with their children, Pax Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt. Photo / Getty

HollywoodLife reported that Jolie and Pitt's children are keen to have contact again with their dad who they haven't seen since Jolie filed for divorce.

They are said to miss him terribly while they remain holed up in Jolie's rented Malibu mansion.

Jolie took Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8, with her when she fled the family home.

(L-R) Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, actor Brad Pitt, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, Jane Pitt and William Pitt (Brad's parents) attend the 'Unbroken' Los Angeles premiere. Photo / Getty

Jolie filed legal documents last Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with Pitt.

The couple, who've been together for 12 years, officially separated on September 15.