Brad Pitt cites 'family situation' to cancel red carpet appearance

Actor Brad Pitt, who is in news for his separation from wife Angelina Jolie, has announced he will not attend the premiere of director Terrence Malick's Voyage of Time due to a "family situation".

Pitt narrates Malick's feature that examines the origins of the universe and of life on Earth.

"Terrence's Voyage of Time is an incredibly beautiful and unique experiential IMAX film for children and families chronicling the birth of time," said Pitt in a statement.

"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.

Malick and Pitt, 52, worked together on 2011's Oscar-nominated Tree of Life.

A week ago it was reported that Jolie Pitt filed for divorce from the actor after two years of marriage. Robert Offer, an attorney for Jolie Pitt said that the decision to divorce was made "for the health of the family."