After nearly eight years of legal battles, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have finally settled their divorce, bringing to close one of Hollywood's most talked-about separations. The couple, who were once considered the epitome of romance, ended their tumultuous marriage, formally finalizing the divorce just last month, after Jolie filed for it back in September 2016.
The split was marked by shocking allegations, with Jolie claiming Pitt had physical abusive tendencies and accusing him of trying to force her to sign a non-disclosure agreement covering his years of alleged mistreatment. These claims have been consistently denied by Pitt, who was fully cleared by law enforcement following investigations.
Despite the couple being legally declared single back in 2019, the messy divorce proceedings continued with pointed disagreements over custody of their six children and their shared estate, Château Miraval. While both parties had publicly committed to maintain privacy for the sake of their children, allegations circulated about how the divorce played out, with some insiders claiming Jolie deliberately stalled the process to squeeze out emotional and financial concessions.
Recent insider reports suggest Jolie may have secured as much as $80 million from Pitt as part of the settlement. One source even claimed she wanted to punish Pitt for their split and fought against several generous offers from him aimed at resolving the divorce sooner.
Meanwhile, as news of the finalized divorce spread, both stars have been seen adjusting to their new realities. Pitt was spotted on the streets of Los Angeles shortly after the divorce was finalized, sporting a bushy grey beard and a low-key look, including sleek silver sunglasses, showcasing his relaxed new attitude. Sources close to him revealed he was relieved to have the drawn-out saga behind him and is now focusing on his future with his girlfriend, jewellery designer, and creative partner, 34-year-old, Inez de Ramon.
Behind the scenes, their children have also been coping with the aftermath of their parents' separation. The couple shares three biological children—Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16—as well as three adopted children—Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, and Zahara, 19. Reports indicate growing estrangement between Pitt and his older children, with many reportedly having changed their surnames to drop 'Pitt', signifying their psychological distancing from him. This tension appears to stem from the allegations made during the divorce proceedings, which have cast shadows over their familial dynamic.
Recently, 18-year-old Shiloh was seen after a dance class; her choice to drop 'Pitt' from her name on her birthday signifies the continuing impact of the divorce on the youth's personal identities. Her legal name change is emblematic of her desire to forge her own path away from the media circus surrounding her parents.
Jolie, on her part, expressed being exhausted and relieved now the divorce and associated challenges have been settled. Her attorney, James Simon, noted Jolie’s determination to keep the well-being of their children at the forefront during the bitter and long legal battle. He highlighted her focus on healing for her family, stating, 'Angelina is exhausted. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since then, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family'.
Despite the conclusion of their divorce, the legal drama continues, especially with the unresolved ownership and management of Château Miraval. Pitt has accused Jolie of selling her stake of the winery to the Stoli Group without his consent, igniting another round of potential legal clashes.
Even as their personal lives shift, the couple's previously strong public persona as Brangelina is all but faded. Insider accounts reveal both stars are now steering their focus onto their respective futures, with Pitt's aspirations reportedly including plans for marriage with de Ramon later this year.
Looking back, it's hard to believe what began as a love story on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith has come to symbolize the drama and volatility defined by celebrity relationships. Once they captured the hearts of fans worldwide, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie now drift apart, each carving out their own paths amid the echoes of their former romance.