Angelina Jolie’s emotional transformation from her role in Maria has unearthed hidden emotions, even for her family. On the set of her new Netflix film about opera legend Maria Callas, her sons Maddox, 23, and Pax, 21, worked as production assistants, witnessing their mother in a vulnerable state they hadn’t seen before. As the actress herself admitted, it was a rare moment where she didn’t shield her emotions from her children.
This candid glimpse into Jolie’s emotional world comes amid an ongoing eight-year custody battle with her ex-husband, Brad Pitt. Their six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16—have been caught in the middle of one of Hollywood’s most acrimonious divorces. With legal disputes ranging from custody arrangements to business ventures, the former couple’s struggles have deeply impacted their family dynamics.
Education disputes and parental clashes
The divide between Jolie and Pitt extends to their differing parenting philosophies, as revealed in newly unsealed court documents. One particularly contentious issue has been their children’s education. Jolie, known for her global lifestyle, has favored homeschooling and international experiences for her children. In contrast, Pitt advocated for structured, traditional schooling, citing the need for stability.
A 2020 court filing shed light on these disagreements, particularly during a time when Zahara and Shiloh faced serious medical challenges. Zahara underwent multiple surgeries, while Shiloh required hip surgery. Despite these personal hardships, the couple continued to argue over schooling. Ultimately, a judge sided with Pitt, mandating that Shiloh and the twins enroll in an in-person private school in Los Angeles for the 2020-2021 academic year. Although Jolie complied with the ruling, sources close to the actress claim she remains deeply frustrated, believing her children missed out on valuable learning opportunities.
The Château Miraval dispute: A fight beyond custody
While the custody battle rages on, another legal war has unfolded over Château Miraval, the couple’s sprawling 1,200-acre estate and winery in France. The estate, where Jolie and Pitt tied the knot in 2014, has become a focal point of their financial disputes. In 2022, Pitt sued Jolie, accusing her of selling her stake to a Russian billionaire without offering him the chance to buy her out, as he claims they had previously agreed.
Jolie countered these claims by revealing disturbing details about the 2016 private plane incident that allegedly led to their divorce. In legal filings, Jolie accused Pitt of physically abusing her and their children during the flight. She alleged that an intoxicated Pitt choked one of the children, struck another in the face, and poured beer on both her and the kids. Pitt has denied these allegations and was cleared following an investigation. However, Jolie doubled down in 2024, alleging that Pitt’s abusive behavior predated the plane incident.
The legal battle over Château Miraval continues, with both parties ordered to turn over communications from the time of the incident. This evidence could potentially unveil new details, further escalating the already bitter feud.
Custody misery: A family divided
The custody fight between Jolie and Pitt has been fraught with allegations and accusations. In earlier court proceedings, Jolie faced criticism for allegedly attempting to alienate the children from their father. A judge in 2018 warned her against reading the children’s text messages from Pitt or monitoring his calls. However, in 2021, Jolie managed to overturn a ruling that granted Pitt joint custody, using what his legal team described as a “technical procedural issue.”
The fallout from these battles has been evident in the strained relationships between Pitt and his children. Maddox publicly criticized his father in a 2020 social media post, referring to him in unflattering terms. Meanwhile, several of the children, including Shiloh, Zahara, and Vivienne, no longer use Pitt’s last name. Sources close to the family indicate that Pitt’s relationship with his older children has deteriorated significantly, leaving him with limited time to mend fences before the twins reach adulthood.
Behind closed doors: Allegations and counterclaims
Adding to the complexity of the custody battle, a former bodyguard for Jolie has alleged that she attempted to manipulate her security staff to influence court proceedings. In legal documents, the bodyguard claimed that Jolie’s assistant had instructed him to discourage contractors from testifying in the custody case, threatening legal action if they chose to do so.
These claims, combined with accusations of parental alienation and attempts to control the narrative, paint a troubling picture of the lengths both parties may go to gain the upper hand. While Pitt’s camp has accused Jolie of harboring a vendetta against him, Jolie’s legal team insists that she is focused on protecting her children and seeking justice.
What the children witnessed: The lasting impact
The ongoing legal battles and public disputes have undoubtedly taken a toll on Jolie and Pitt’s children. The 2016 plane incident, in particular, has loomed large over the family. Jolie’s legal filings describe a harrowing experience, with the children allegedly pleading for Pitt to stop his behavior. Whether or not these claims hold up in court, they underscore the profound emotional impact the divorce has had on the family.
As the twins approach their 18th birthdays, Pitt’s window to secure a meaningful relationship with his younger children is narrowing. Meanwhile, Jolie continues to fight for what she believes is justice, even as she faces criticism for her handling of the situation.
A bitter ending: No resolution in sight
Despite years of legal wrangling, Jolie and Pitt appear no closer to resolving their differences. For Pitt, the Château Miraval case represents a significant victory, with a judge recently ruling against Jolie’s motion to dismiss. However, the fight has come at a cost, with both parties accused of prioritizing revenge over reconciliation.
Jolie’s attorneys argue that she never wanted the battle to escalate to this level, claiming that she simply wants to protect her children and move on. Pitt’s team, on the other hand, contends that Jolie is determined to tarnish his reputation at all costs.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.