Actor and activist George Clooney was fielding questions from reporters at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday when he learned some unfortunate news about his friend and frequent co-star Brad Pitt. CNN reporter Richard Roth, assuming Clooney had heard the news that Angelina Jolie had filed for divorce from Pitt, launched into his last question with the actor by saying, “You’re friends with both of them. Your thoughts? She’s a humanitarian.” When Clooney cut him off, trying to figure out what the reporter could be talking about, he was informed that the celebrity couple is divorcing.

“I didn’t know that,” Clooney said. “I feel very sorry then. That’s a sad story and unfortunate for a family.” He added, “I feel very sorry to hear that. That’s the first I’ve heard of it.” Clooney joined his wife, human-rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and President Obama earlier in the day for a roundtable with CEOs who are pledging money to help fight the Syrian refugee crisis.

— Matt Wilstein