Brad Pitt appears gaunt with Julia Roberts in first public appearance since Angelina Jolie divorce

Brad Pitt was beaming as he posed with friend Julia Roberts and was seen for the first time after his split from Angelina Jolie .

The Hollywood star appeared gaunt and noticeably slimmer as he smiled alongside his pal at a private screening of upcoming film Moonlight - produced by his own production company Plan B - in Los Angeles this week.

The two actors appeared spoke to audience members at an LA venue, with Brad putting on a brave face as they posed for pictures, although he looked to have lost weight.

The Fight Club leading man, who is set to walk the red carpet at the premiere for Allied tomorrow night, reportedly turned up unannounced for the screening on Wednesday night, wearing a plaid shirt, jacket and dark denim.

It marks Brad's return to the spotlight since the news broke of his divorce from Angelina in September.

Since their split the actor has battled allegations of child abuse after an alleged incident on a private jet with one of his six children - Maddox Jolie-Pitt, 15, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 12, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 11, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 10, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 8 - sparked an FBI investigation.

It was reported on Monday that the former couple now have reached a custody agreement.

Meanwhile, Wendy Williams has dished out some advice for Brad after news broke about his first red carpet since his split from Angelina Jolie.

The Hollywood actor will be at the premiere of his latest movie, Allied, on Wednesday night.

"As of today, we've learned that he is going to walk the red carpet tomorrow," she said on her show today.

"You know if he stays in the house he is going to look great to the court system."

"But when you give up something so important to you like an Oscar-worthy film to take care of your family, the court system is going to look at you like you're dad of the year, right? And I can appreciate that."

"And he's changed his mind walking that red carpet. And I can appreciate that too."

She continued: "But Brad, here’s what you should know. We know you’re not going to be walking with Angelina because you guys are divorcing.

"We know you’re not going to be walking with your children, because depending on what you read, some of them might not like you so much. And the others are adjusting and it will take them time.

"You shouldn’t walk with your co-star. That french lady who is pregnant. Who a lot of people who accused you of having an affair with in the beginning."

"Anyway, the point is that winning an Oscar - Brad - only talk to Nancy O'Dell or Mario Lopez and I'm going to tell you why.

"Because Mario Lppez is so politically correct. He is perfection Ken Doll personified and he will not offend you, so you stop for him on the red carpet and Nancy O'Dell. And then keep it walking."

She continued: "And when you get on the stage Brad you keep your speech really short. Don't talk about politics or human rights. You dedicate your entire thing to your children.

"Here's how you do that. You list each child and one word that describes them lovely."