The pair were alleged to have unchained a gate at the back of the complex before entering and filming the house. The pair fled after being challenged by contractors carrying out work on the property, the report said.

A statement from E! said the two journalists had been "terminated".

"E! Networks did not instruct or authorize anyone working on its program to improperly intrude onto private property, and the individuals involved have been terminated," a statement said, adding that an investigation was ongoing.

Neither Pitt nor partner Angelina Jolie were at home when the incident took place, the statement added.