Inside Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Exhaustingly Long Divorce Battle

As an observer of human lives, I find myself deeply moved by the story of Angelina Jolie. Her journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, marked by trials and tribulations that most of us can hardly imagine.

From her early years as a young actress to her meteoric rise in Hollywood, Jolie has always been a beacon of determination and talent. Yet, it is in the latter part of her life that her true grit and unyielding spirit shine brightest.

The challenges she faced during her break from making movies were not just professional setbacks; they seemed to have affected her very core, dimming her light and draining her energy. It takes a special kind of courage to acknowledge one’s own struggles and vulnerabilities, especially when one is in the public eye. Jolie’s decision to open up about her dark times not only demonstrates her bravery but also offers hope and inspiration to countless others who may be going through similar experiences.

In a world where people often hide their weaknesses, it’s refreshing to see someone like Jolie embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, from joy to pain, triumph to despair, and everything in between. Her journey serves as a reminder that we are all works in progress, constantly evolving and learning, and that it’s okay to stumble along the way.

As for my favorite joke about Angelina Jolie? Well, here it is: Why did Angelina Jolie become an actress? Because she wanted to be UN-beLEEveable! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist a bit of punning humor.) But in all seriousness, I have the utmost respect and admiration for this remarkable woman and her incredible life experience.

Just in time for 2025, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie can finally turn the page.

On at least one thing.

Despite ongoing interest in the aftermath of Pitt’s lawsuit against Jolie regarding their former shared vineyard in France, it has been verified by Jolie’s legal representatives that the parents of six reached an agreement in a divorce settlement on December 30th.

Almost nine years back, I, Angelina Jolie, initiated the divorce proceedings from Mr. Pitt. As conveyed by my attorney James Simon to NBC News on December 31st, since then, I’ve been focusing on seeking tranquility and healing for our family. This step is merely a part of an extensive process that commenced eight years ago. To be honest, I’m weary, but I feel a sense of relief that this particular aspect has concluded.

Regardless of ongoing legal matters, their time as a couple is indeed coming to an end, marking the close of an era – one that was particularly memorable for producing a captivating celebrity duo nickname, “Brangelina.

That ship sailed more than eight years ago, too.

“

It didn’t take long for me to realize that the supposedly heated argument on a private plane was just the tip of the iceberg. There seemed to be something far more complex at play that led me to part ways with Pitt on September 15, 2016.

In response to Pitt’s team’s request to keep their custody case documents confidential in January 2017, Jolie’s legal representatives claimed that Pitt was worried about the public discovering the truth. They argued that Jolie’s filings contained sensitive information, like the identities of their children’s therapists, which should not be disclosed publicly.

Following an unfortunate start to their separation, Jolie and Pitt managed to establish a custody arrangement in November 2018, just days before the trial was scheduled to begin if they hadn’t resolved their disputes amicably.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the turn of events, hoping that the turbulence has passed them by and they can transition from their tumultuous past to a more peaceful future. I firmly believe that, given time, the children will thrive with both their parents present in their lives. Now, I’m ready to take steps forward, striving to be a reliable and positive force in their lives.

According to another report, Jolie expressed joy about moving forward to the next phase and felt reassured by the advancements in her family’s health.

However, an underlying unease was consistently present in Jolie’s thoughts about the past events, and periodically, for the next six years, their legal documents eloquently conveyed this.

Or:

Jolie’s musings on what had transpired were often tinged with a subtle undercurrent of tension. On occasion, during the following six years, their court filings clearly demonstrated this.

As a devoted follower, I must share that despite surrendering primary custody in 2016 as initially requested, I, Angelina Jolie, contested a preliminary court ruling from May 2021 that awarded joint custody to Brad Pitt. In a subsequent filing, I asserted that the trial was unfair and crucial evidence regarding the children’s wellbeing was unjustly withheld, which I believe is vital for presenting my case effectively.

Since day one, I’ve consistently asserted that my decision to file for divorce was primarily driven by what was best for our children. In public, I’ve never deviated from this succinct yet significant rationale.

Though she hasn’t publicly addressed the details outside of court documents regarding the disturbing events that occurred on that tragic flight in 2016, she shared with Vanity Fair for their September 2017 cover story (her first extensive personal interview since filing for divorce) that “matters deteriorated” during the summer of 2016.

Describing them as “six exceptionally independent, considerate, globally aware individuals,” she further stated, “I take immense pride in them…They’ve shown remarkable courage.

In a 2020 interview with Vogue, she stated, “I split up to prioritize my family’s welfare. This was the correct choice, as I’m dedicated to their recovery. Unfortunately, some have exploited my silence, and the children have encountered misinformation about themselves in the media. However, I reassure them that they are well-aware of their own truth and possess a strong, courageous mindset. In reality, they are six incredibly brave and resilient young individuals.

2016 saw Brad Pitt under investigation by child services and the FBI, following allegations of an argument with his 15-year-old son Maddox on a private flight from France to Los Angeles, just before Pitt’s divorce was filed. However, by November of that year, both investigations were closed without any further action being taken against Pitt.

The 61-year-old actor has remained silent about the issue publicly, yet prior to any conclusion in the investigations, he requested joint custody. His initial reaction to the divorce petition was expressing sadness, but emphasizing that the well-being of their children is paramount now.

In the spring of 2017, Pitt opened up to GQ Style, sharing honestly about his recent experiences with therapy (a new venture he found rewarding), sobriety (having persevered for six months, finding it challenging yet essential) and his struggle with not addressing his emotions, which he believed played a role in the dissolution of his 12-year relationship with Jolie, just two years after their wedding at their French chateau.

In a 2019 interview with NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, Brad Pitt expressed that the breakdown of his family was a wake-up call for him to examine his own role in it and strive for improvement, as he didn’t want to continue living this way. His character in Ad Astra, an astronaut grappling with the end of his marriage during an interstellar mission, mirrored his personal struggle to some extent.

He mentioned that he had personal family matters to attend to when the New York Times inquired about whether his own experiences influenced the character. To keep things simple, let’s stop there with the information provided.

The actor’s accountability was quite stylish, and as a result, his popularity soared, peaking with his Best Supporting Actor Oscar win for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood before the pandemic. It was truly delightful for traditional fans to witness him and his first wife, Jennifer Aniston, interacting so affectionately at the 2020 SAG Awards through rose-tinted spectacles.

On the red carpet that evening, Pitt expressed, “I have friends, beautiful children, I enjoy my coffee, and I love my dogs.” In his own words, he said, “I have nothing to complain about.

In March 2020, when the pandemic began, a reliable source shared with TopMob News that all of the Jolie-Pitt children were staying at home with Angelina. However, they’ve still been spending time with Brad and visiting him regularly.

Moving on to the present day, let’s skip over the turbulent phase marked by Brad Pitt’s 2020 Oscar victory and Angelina Jolie’s decision to retreat from Hollywood. Notably, four of their children, who were once known as the Jolie-Pitts, no longer bear their father’s surname. Moreover, Shiloh has legally adopted only her mother’s last name, Jolie.

During the promotional activities for the film “First They Killed My Father” in 2017, which she directed (and Maddox produced) and is based on true events detailing Khmer Rouge atrocities in Cambodia, Jolie chose to take a longer break from her work. Instead of being on a movie set, she was more frequently seen shopping at places like Whole Foods, Toys R Us, or Target.

As someone who has spent a significant portion of my adult life single, I can certainly empathize with Jolie’s sentiments. Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean being unhappy or unsatisfied, but there are moments when the loneliness becomes overwhelming. In September 2017, during her press tour, Jolie expressed that she didn’t enjoy being single, and I completely understand where she’s coming from. It’s not something I wanted either; it’s just hard. The solitude can be isolating, and the search for companionship is not always easy or straightforward. But as challenging as it may be, I believe that embracing our individuality and learning to enjoy our own company can help us grow stronger and more self-reliant in the long run.

Though it might seem like I’m managing everything smoothly, the truth is I’m simply trying to make it through each day,” she explained further. “This year has been incredibly tough emotionally for me, and I’ve also had some health problems. Therefore, my health is something I need to keep a close eye on.” (She revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that she experienced Bell’s palsy, which led to temporary facial paralysis, and developed high blood pressure in 2016.)

In 2019, she resumed acting with the movie “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, which grossed approximately $492 million globally. Following her roles in the action-thriller “Those Who Wish Me Dead” and Marvel’s “The Eternals”, she is once again being discussed for awards (and even nominated for a Golden Globe) due to her performance as opera legend Maria Callas in the 2024 film “Maria”.

Jolie previously acknowledged that she felt she had no choice but to alter her career priorities.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in April 2021, Jolie explained that she has a deep affection for directing, but a shift in her family circumstances has prevented her from doing so for several years. Due to this change, she felt compelled to take on shorter projects and spend more time at home, which led her back to acting roles. In essence, that’s the genuine reason behind her recent acting jobs.

As a world-travel-obsessed mom, I’ve made it my mission to ensure my kids are global citizens. We’re always on the move, exploring new lands and cultures. But 2020 proved to be a unique test – while my children took it in stride, being confined at home was a struggle that hit me hard.

In my own words, as someone who yearns for adventure, I shared with British Vogue back in November 2020 that stillness has never been my strong suit. While the idea of having a family and being a mother was always appealing to me, I’ve always envisioned it in an unconventional way, more akin to the nomadic lifestyle of someone like Jane Goodall, exploring deep within the heart of a jungle somewhere. The notion of being a traditional stay-at-home mom, with all its associated skills, just doesn’t resonate with me.

Though I struggle immensely with it, I’m making it work due to the kids’ remarkable resilience and their assistance. However, let me make it clear that handling them isn’t something I excel at by any means.

Inquired about her current life phase, Jolie responded, “I’ve experienced some challenges, but I’m trying to stay optimistic. I believe we’ve all learned something during the pandemic.” Regarding her happiness level, she shared, “The last few years have been tough. I’ve been working on healing our family. It’s gradually improving, like thawing ice and circulation returning to my life.

Moreover, her persistent efforts to act on what she believes is best for her children clearly show the intensity with which family ties can burn.

After Pitt filed a lawsuit against her for illegally selling their Château Miraval winery without his consent in 2023, claiming that she conspired with the Stoli Group to sell it unlawfully and vindictively to harm him, she responded by alleging that Pitt was trying to suppress her through legal means and demanded that he disclose records from a 2016 investigation into his behavior.

As an ardent follower, I’ve got to say, from what I’ve gathered, Pitt portrays this situation as merely a ‘business disagreement.’ However, that’s his take on it. My beloved Jolie sees it differently – she believes this case is about Pitt trying to manipulate Miraval to silence her. The jury will ultimately decide based on the evidence, but for now, Jolie is permitted to collect the proof necessary to back up her perspective.

In a court document filed in July, his lawyers referred to her actions as an “exaggerated search for evidence.

Actress Jolie withdrew a legal action aimed at acquiring records from the Department of Justice and FBI regarding the federal probe conducted in September.

Pitt, who recently collaborated again with George Clooney on the movie “Wolves”, secured a legal victory in November as the judge decided there was substance to his claim about an implied contract in the lawsuit involving their winery, making it eligible for a trial.

As 2025 draws near, Jolie is once again capturing attention, this time for a positive reason—her work. During the promotion of Maria, she has given us a glimpse into her personal life during her hiatus from filmmaking, when she expressed the need to be at home more.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, published on December 19, she shared that for reasons she prefers not to disclose, she found herself in a very dark phase, lacking both light and vitality within her. Essentially, she was saying, “My spirit is quite dull.

Jolie expressed that for a period, she wasn’t her usual self, which affected her ability to contribute significantly to her work for several years. However, she found the motivation to return to work, communicate effectively, and interact with wonderful individuals once more. A significant aspect of her job is collaborating with other artists, where the synergy results in joint creation. When surrounded by kind and creative people, one learns a great deal about oneself and life.

2024-12-31 22:48

Inside Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Exhaustingly Long Divorce Battle

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