After eight long years of legal battles, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finally finalized their divorce. However, the conclusion of their acrimonious split is far from offering closure, as tensions between Pitt and his six children remain unresolved. According to sources, the actor fears his children might one day go public with damaging revelations about their family, potentially tarnishing his reputation.
Fears of a Public Tell-All
Pitt, 59, shares six children with Jolie: Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. An insider reveals the actor is concerned that as his children grow older, they might be tempted to share their version of events in a memoir or interview. “The kids have talked among themselves about speaking out about what really happened in their family,” says the source. “Some of them are looking for an opportunity to blast Brad.”
These fears aren’t unfounded. Court documents filed by Jolie in 2022 alleged troubling incidents, including a 2016 altercation on a private plane. Jolie claimed Pitt, under the influence of alcohol, choked one child and struck another, while also physically assaulting her. Although Pitt denied the allegations and an investigation cleared him of wrongdoing, the accusations remain a source of contention within the family.
The Kids’ Allegiance to Jolie
Jolie’s children have reportedly taken her side in the years-long custody battle. “They’ve always asked why she doesn’t fight back harder against Brad and what they see as his manipulative behavior,” says the source. Despite the finalized divorce, legal battles over the couple’s French estate, Château Miraval, continue, partly due to Jolie’s refusal to sign a nondisclosure agreement. While Jolie is bound by legal restraints regarding what she can publicly discuss, the children are under no such restrictions.
Pax, in particular, has shown a willingness to speak out. In a since-deleted Instagram post from 2020, he described Pitt as “a terrible and despicable person,” adding that the actor showed “no consideration or empathy” toward his younger siblings. Meanwhile, both Shiloh and Zahara have dropped “Pitt” from their surnames, signaling their emotional distance from their father.
Navigating Public Appearances and Independence
While the children have largely remained silent about their family struggles, they are increasingly stepping into the public eye alongside their mother. Most recently, Zahara accompanied Jolie to the Golden Globes on January 5. Jolie reportedly encourages them to handle public attention gracefully, offering gentle guidance while respecting their boundaries.
Independence is also a growing theme within the family. Pax and Maddox worked as production assistants on Jolie’s latest film, Maria, while Vivienne co-produced The Outsiders on Broadway. The source notes, “They’re very independent, and many of them have already started their careers.”
A Challenging Path Ahead
Pitt’s relationship with his children remains strained, with the Oscar-winning actor reportedly only seeing the twins “from time to time.” Despite financial support, the source adds, “They don’t need their dad at this point.” While Pitt has avoided requiring his children to sign nondisclosure agreements, reconciling with them appears to be an uphill battle. For now, the family continues to navigate their complex dynamics under the public’s watchful eye.
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.