The divorce of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has been one of the most high-profile separations in Hollywood, spanning several years and marked by public tension, legal battles, and the impact on their six children. Despite the turmoil, both stars have expressed their dedication to protecting their children’s well-being and privacy throughout the ordeal.
The Children and Their Privacy
Jolie and Pitt share six children: Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne (16). Their children have grown up in the public eye, but as they’ve matured, they have become more private, with some even opting to remove “Pitt” from their names. Angelina has consistently emphasized her commitment to protecting their privacy, and her children have urged her to be more vocal about their experiences, despite her tendency to focus on broader issues such as changing laws.
The Divorce Saga
The couple’s relationship began on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2005, and they married in 2014. However, in 2016, Jolie filed for divorce following an alleged incident on a private flight involving Pitt’s intoxication and aggressive behavior. While investigations did not lead to charges against Pitt, the public nature of the split took a toll on the family, particularly their children. Despite their best efforts to keep the details of the divorce private, the couple faced a lengthy and challenging legal battle, especially over custody of the kids.
In 2018, the custody situation became more complicated when it was revealed that Jolie risked losing primary custody if she didn’t work on improving the kids’ relationship with Pitt. Eventually, a 50-50 custody arrangement was reached, but legal hurdles delayed its finalization.
A New Chapter
By December 2023, Jolie and Pitt signed an agreement finalizing their divorce, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter. Jolie’s representative described her relief in finally finding peace for her family. However, a source close to Pitt painted a different picture, accusing Jolie of misrepresenting the reality of the situation, which has caused further harm to those close to them.
The Winery Dispute
Though the divorce is officially over, the former couple still battles over their shared French winery, adding another layer of complexity to their legal disputes. Jolie’s attorney has urged Pitt to focus on mending their family instead of continuing with legal battles regarding the winery.
Despite the difficulties, both Jolie and Pitt have continued to care for their children and support their individual journeys. Jolie remains determined to provide her children with the privacy they desire, while Pitt struggles with the strained relationships, especially with the older kids.
Moving Forward
As Jolie and Pitt navigate their post-divorce lives, they both continue to deal with the public and personal ramifications of their separation. Angelina remains focused on her family’s healing, while Brad longs for reconciliation with his children. Despite the challenges, both parents hope for resolution and peace, even as they contend with their ongoing legal struggles and the emotional toll of their split.
