After years of estrangement following Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s tumultuous divorce in 2016, a breakthrough may be on the horizon for the actor’s relationship with his children. The latest sign of hope comes from his youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, who are reportedly considering reaching out to their paternal grandparents as the holidays approach.
Brad Pitt’s relationship with his six children has been strained for years, primarily due to the acrimonious divorce and custody battles with Jolie. For the past several years, Pitt’s parents, William “Bill” and Jane Pitt, have tried to maintain a connection with their grandchildren. Despite sending birthday and Christmas cards, as well as making attempts to connect via FaceTime, the communication has often been one-sided, with the children, particularly the twins, failing to respond.
The strained relationship between Pitt and his children comes against the backdrop of a difficult public separation. In September 2016, Brad Pitt was under investigation by the FBI and the LA Department of Children and Family Services for alleged child abuse after an incident on a plane. Though no charges were pursued and Pitt denied the allegations, the fallout from the divorce led to years of strained family ties. Jolie also filed a lawsuit in 2022, accusing Pitt of physical and verbal abuse towards her and their then-15-year-old son Maddox, but the suit was withdrawn in September 2023.
Despite these hurdles, sources close to the family reveal that the twins are starting to reconsider their estrangement from their father’s side. Recently, photos emerged of Brad’s niece, Reagan, playing with Knox and Vivienne when they were younger. These images, which surfaced just in time for the holidays, seem to have rekindled fond memories for the children. Insiders suggest that this has made Knox and Vivienne more inclined to reconnect with their grandparents in Springfield, Missouri. The fact that the twins have maintained contact with Brad’s cousins, Reagan and Sydney, has only intensified the desire to bridge the gap with their paternal side.
The situation remains delicate, however, as the teens are wary of upsetting their mother, Angelina Jolie. The tension between Jolie and Pitt has been a source of public scrutiny for years, and the twins are mindful of maintaining their loyalty to their mother. Sources say they may push for their older sister Shiloh to accompany them if they decide to visit their grandparents, especially if Brad is also present. The idea of a reunion is complicated by the lingering familial conflicts, but insiders believe the siblings are feeling the pressure of time. Jane and Bill Pitt’s legal right to have access to their grandchildren will expire in less than two years, making this holiday season a poignant reminder of what has been lost.
Brad Pitt, for his part, has reportedly been left devastated by the ongoing estrangement from his children. The actor, who has sought treatment for his alcohol dependency in the past, is said to be devastated by the lack of meaningful communication with his children. The reemergence of family photos and the potential shift in the twins’ attitude toward reconnecting with their grandparents may signal a long-awaited chance for healing, though it remains uncertain how the complex family dynamics will evolve in the coming months.
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.