Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's tumultuous divorce saga has come to an end, wrapping up eight years of complex legal battles fueled by custody disputes and shared business interests.
The actor and humanitarian, Jolie, filed for divorce from Pitt back in September 2016 after two years of marriage. The couple, famously known as Brangelina, adopted three children and had three biological kids together following their marriage in France in 2014. They initially met on the set of the action-comedy "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" back in 2003. Their relationship quickly became the focus of public fascination, especially after Pitt's previous marriage to Jennifer Aniston ended, leading tabloids to draw comparisons and speculate on infidelity.
Although they were legally declared single as of 2019, it wasn't until December 30, 2024, when the divorce was finally finalized. The long duration of their separation was attributed to various complications including child custody arrangements and the shared ownership of their French vineyard, Château Miraval. Divorce lawyers commented on the case, stating, "There's almost no limit to how many things you can fight about," referencing the high stakes involved when children and shared assets are on the line.
Throughout the divorce process, allegations have surfaced on both sides. Jolie claimed Pitt had failed to pay meaningful child support for over two years, prompting Pitt to respond, stating he had contributed more than $1.3 million to child support. Further complicity arose when Pitt accused Jolie of attempting to manipulate the media against him. The contentious nature of the proceedings became increasingly public as both stars made allegations about each other's parenting and financial responsibilities.
The wrangling over the Château Miraval winery intensified when Pitt filed suit against Jolie, claiming she sold her stake to Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler without his consent—a claim Jolie countered by asserting no such agreement existed. Legal experts noted the significant emotional and financial strain this lengthy battle has imposed, with one commentator highlighting, "Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over," emphasizing the toll taken on both parties.
Adding to the drama, serious allegations relating to domestic abuse surfaced with Jolie reporting to authorities about Pitt's behavior on their private jet, provoking investigations by the FBI. Although no legal action against Pitt resulted from these investigations, the claims introduced new layers of complexity during the divorce process. Pitt's representatives denied claims of abuse, stating, "Brad has accepted responsibility for what he did but will not for things he didn't do," seeking to refute the narrative crafted by Jolie's camp.
Despite the contentious nature of their split, the end of the divorce proceedings marks the beginning of new chapters for both Jolie and Pitt. Jolie recently dazzled the crowd at the Palm Springs Film Festival, where she appeared with her daughter Zahara. Her new hairstyle and renewed public presence indicate she is ready to embrace the future, focusing on peace and healing for her family.
The public can only watch as the two navigate co-parenting and the looming question of their professional and personal lives post-divorce, now freed from the burdens of their previous union. The legacy of what has been labeled one of Hollywood's most dramatic divorces continues as both stars redefine themselves and their family dynamics.