For over a decade, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were one of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples. Known as “Brangelina,” they seemed the epitome of glamour, talent, and family unity. However, beneath the surface, their relationship faced immense challenges, ultimately leading to a highly publicized and complex divorce. Now, at 49, Angelina Jolie has opened up like never before, sharing intimate details about their separation and the lasting impact on their family.

The Rise and Fall of Brangelina

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt first crossed paths on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2005. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they quickly became an item, though under controversial circumstances, as Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston at the time.

Despite the media frenzy surrounding their relationship, Jolie and Pitt seemed deeply committed to building a life together, creating a blended family with their six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. The pair married in 2014 at their French estate, Château Miraval, solidifying what appeared to be a lifelong bond.

The Plane Incident and the Beginning of the End

Behind the glamorous red-carpet appearances, however, their relationship faced growing difficulties. The breaking point came on September 14, 2016, during a private flight from France to Los Angeles. Reports indicate that Pitt had been drinking during the flight, and a heated argument broke out between him and Jolie. Tensions escalated further when Pitt allegedly confronted their son Maddox, a situation that some sources suggest may have turned physical.

For Jolie, this incident was the final straw. Just days later, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting full custody of their children. The media swiftly picked up the story, and the once-private couple found themselves at the center of a very public split.

Speculations arose about Pitt’s substance use, anger management issues, and differences in parenting styles. Although Pitt denied allegations of abuse, the FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) launched investigations. Ultimately, no charges were filed, but the damage to the family’s dynamics was profound.

A Contentious Custody Battle

From the onset of the divorce, custody of the children became the most contentious issue. Jolie, seeking full custody, argued that it was necessary due to her concerns about Pitt’s behavior, particularly following the plane incident.

Pitt, however, opposed this, advocating for joint custody and emphasizing his commitment to his children’s lives. Their custody battle stretched over several years, becoming increasingly complex as multiple judges, therapists, and child custody experts weighed in.

In 2018, a judge ordered that Jolie allow Pitt greater access to the children, even warning her of potential consequences if she did not comply. This ruling was a partial victory for Pitt, though it did not end the legal wrangling. In 2021, Pitt was initially granted joint custody, but Jolie successfully challenged the decision on grounds of judicial conflict of interest, further prolonging the dispute.

Financial Disputes and Château Miraval

Beyond custody, the division of financial assets also became a significant point of contention. Their shared estate, Château Miraval, purchased together in 2008 and the site of their wedding, became a focal point of their legal battles.

In 2022, Jolie sold her stake in the estate without consulting Pitt, prompting him to file a lawsuit. Pitt alleged that Jolie’s actions were intended to damage the estate’s value and stability, creating further animosity between the former couple.

Strained Relationships with the Children

The prolonged divorce has affected not only Jolie and Pitt but also their children. Reports indicate that some of the children, including Maddox and Shiloh, have distanced themselves from Pitt. Maddox, now studying abroad, reportedly dropped “Pitt” from his name, as has Shiloh, who legally petitioned to change her last name.

These decisions have reportedly devastated Pitt, who has worked hard to repair his relationships with the children since seeking sobriety and reflecting on his past behavior. Sources close to the family suggest that while Pitt hopes to rebuild his connection with his children, the wounds remain deep.

Angelina’s Life Post-Divorce

For Jolie, the years following the divorce have been both challenging and transformative. As the primary caregiver, she prioritized her children’s well-being, ensuring stability amid the emotional and legal upheavals. Moving to a new home in Los Angeles, Jolie created a warm, supportive environment where her children could heal and grow.

Professionally, Jolie continued to take on roles that reflected her personal journey. In 2017, she directed First They Killed My Father, a powerful narrative based on the memoir of a Cambodian author.

The film served as both a tribute to her adopted son Maddox’s heritage and a testament to her commitment to socially relevant storytelling. More recently, Jolie and her daughter Vivienne co-produced The Outsiders, a Broadway production that won four Tony Awards in 2024.

Jolie’s humanitarian efforts have also remained a cornerstone of her life. As a UNHCR Special Envoy, she continues to advocate for refugees and displaced people worldwide, using her platform to bring attention to global crises. Her dedication to humanitarian work provides her with a sense of purpose and resilience, particularly as she navigates the challenges of single motherhood.

Brad’s Path to Redemption

Following the split, Pitt embarked on a journey of self-reflection and self-improvement. In interviews, he has acknowledged that his drinking played a significant role in the breakdown of his marriage. Determined to make a change, Pitt sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous and has maintained his sobriety since. This commitment to personal growth was a turning point for him, allowing him to confront his past and focus on being a better father.

Professionally, Pitt has continued to thrive, delivering some of his most acclaimed performances in recent years. His role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, reaffirming his standing as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors. In addition to acting, Pitt found solace in art, spending hours in his studio creating sculptures that helped him process the pain of his divorce.

A New Chapter

Both Jolie and Pitt have found ways to move forward after their highly publicized split. Jolie’s dedication to her children, career, and humanitarian efforts has helped her rebuild her life, while Pitt’s journey to sobriety and artistic expression has allowed him to reconnect with his passions. However, the impact of their split on their family dynamics remains complex.

While time may eventually heal some of these wounds, the legacy of Jolie and Pitt’s relationship is likely to influence their lives—and those of their children—for years to come. Both parents remain hopeful that their family can find a way to reconnect, focusing on the well-being of the children who have been at the heart of their legal struggles.

For Jolie and Pitt, their post-divorce journeys serve as a testament to resilience, reflection, and the enduring strength needed to rebuild a life and a family after the end of a high-profile relationship. As they continue to navigate their separate paths, the world watches, hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes healing and family unity above all else.