What really happened between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? Why did it take them eight years to end? All you need to know |
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were once epitomized Hollywood romance. What started as a “movie-romance” ended as something very tragic. Their story unfolded into one of the most bitter legal battles in the industry. Their very public breakup revealed underlying tensions about family, finances, and accusations that held the public’s attention for almost a decade.Their paths crossed in 2004 during the filming of ‘Mr and Mrs. Smith.’ Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston, while Jolie had recently divorced Billy Bob Thornton. In a 2006 Vogue interview, Jolie described an unexpected bond forming. “We found this unusual friendship and partnership that just kind of happened,” she said. Feelings deepened only after production wrapped, prompting serious reflection.
Who or what spoiled their loving relationship
Rumors swirled as Pitt and Aniston separated in January 2005. Aniston filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences in March. By April, Pitt and Jolie vacationed in Kenya with Jolie’s son Maddox, fueling affair speculation. They attended the film’s June premiere together. Jolie told NBC she shrugged off gossip. “I’ve just grown up too much to be hurt by what people’s opinion of my love life is.”
Building a family
The couple welcomed their era of “Brangelina.” Angelina Jolie adopted Zahara from Ethiopia in July 2005; Pitt soon co-parented her. Their famous W Magazine “Domestic Bliss” shoot portrayed domestic harmony. In 2006, Jolie adopted Pax from Vietnam, followed by the birth of their biological daughter, Shiloh. Twins Knox and Vivienne arrived in 2008.They married quietly in 2014 at their French chateau, Miraval. Pitt designed Jolie’s ring with input from their six children. In 2015, during “By the Sea” promotion, Pitt gushed to the press. “I trust her with my life.” Yet cracks loomed; by July 2016, photos captured their last public outing at Jamba Juice with Shiloh.
The turning point
Everything shattered on September 14, 2016, aboard a private jet from France to Los Angeles. Jolie filed for divorce two days later, citing irreconcilable differences. Court documents later detailed her abuse allegations: Pitt allegedly choked one child, struck another’s face, grabbed Jolie by the head, and shook her. He reportedly poured beer and wine on the children. The FBI investigated but declined charges, as reported by The New York Times and BBC.Jolie sought sole physical custody; Pitt countered with joint arrangements. He passed drug and alcohol tests, entering rehab voluntarily. Initial custody favored Jolie temporarily. Their fights spilled into battles over Miraval winery, which they bought in 2008. Pitt sued in 2021 after Jolie sold her stake to Tenute del Mondo without his consent, despite a right of first refusal.
Years of legal gridlock
The divorce case dragged on, lasting longer than their two-year marriage by four times. The issue of child custody was somewhat settled in 2021, with Angelina Jolie withdrawing her demand for sole custody of the children in response to their plea for Pitt’s access. There were wine farm disputes. Jolie claimed Pitt was taking revenge, but he denied abuse.Pitt told GQ in 2019 he embraced sobriety post-split, crediting family therapy. Sources claimed he broke down during battles, though he downplayed it publicly. Jolie, in 2022 New York Times filings, elaborated on the plane incident’s trauma.BBC noted the saga’s length–stemming from custody complexities, asset divisions, and mutual accusations.On December 30, 2024, they settled after eight years. Jolie’s lawyer called it “one part of a long process,” emphasizing family healing. Details stayed private; Pitt’s rep declined comment. No winner emerged; both moved on amid exhaustion.Pitt, 62, appears in ‘F1’ and is dating Ines de Ramon. Jolie, 50, is involved in humanitarian projects and movies such as ‘Maria.’ Their children, now grown and teenagers, face the challenges of growing up. Maddox and Pax are said to have drifted apart from Brad Pitt, while Zahara removed ‘Pitt’ from her name.Their story is a reminder that fame is fleeting. They fell in love in the midst of a scandal, grew together as a family, but fell apart under the strain. Hollywood is watching, a reminder that even stars experience the ups and downs of life
