Like the rest of the world George Clooney was shocked to hear the news that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have split after 12 years of being a couple. But unlike everyone else George had to find out the news about his friend’s break-up during a live television interview.

George was attending the Leaders Summit for Refugees at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday when he was asked about the news that Brad and Angelina were divorcing by a CNN correspondent.

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When asked how he felt about the split George said, "What happened? The reported then told him the shocking news that Brangelina were no more. "I didn't know that. Wow. I feel very sorry then,” he said. "That's a sad story and unfortunate for a family. It's an unfortunate story about a family. I feel very sorry to hear that. This is the first I've heard of it.”

News of Brangelina’s split was announced on Monday, with reports saying Angelina had filled for divorce citing ‘irreconcilable differences’. The news was later confirmed by a rep for Angelina who told People magazine: "This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time.”

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Brad later released his own statement saying: "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."