The First
Angelina Jolie was going through a divorce from Billy Bob Thornton in 2002 when she decided to adopt her first son named Maddox. He was only 6 months old and was an orphan located in Cambodia.
The First
Growing the Family
Jolie decided to extend her family in 2005 when she adopted a baby girl from Ethiopia. She named this baby girl Zahara. Once the tabloids got a hold of this news, they went crazy. However, nothing could prepare the public for what was about to happen next.
Growing The Family
A Single Mom Finds A Partner
Zahara and Maddox were first raised by Angelina alone. However, Brad Pitt quickly became a hands-on father once the pair began their relationship. Brad had always wanted to be a father and now was his chance.
A Single Mom Finds A Partner
Time in Africa
The media became obsessed with the couple once they announced they were expecting a baby together. That’s when Brangelina decided to escape to Namibia before giving birth. This made it difficult for the paparazzi to stalk them.
Time In Africa
Out of the Spotlight
Many famous parents retreat from the spotlight to ensure their children aren’t vulnerable to the paparazzi or in the public eye. It can be a dangerous game remaining in Hollywood with children. That’s why Brangelina chose to remain out of the spotlight.
Out Of The Spotlight
Another Addition
The couple’s first biological child, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, was welcomed into the world in May 2006. Apparently, Angelina was given morphine while giving birth to her baby girl, which led to the mother experiencing fits of laughter. At least she wasn’t crying in pain!
Another Addition
Adoption
Once Shiloh was born, it didn’t take long for the mother to adopt another son named Pax Thien in 2007 who was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2003. As they were unmarried, Brad could only adopt Pax in 2008.
Adoption
Hyphenating
Once Brad and Angelina were together for a few years, they decided to make things more official with their children. That’s when Brad officially adopted Angelina’s kids and agreed to hyphenate their names to Jolie-Pitt.
Hyphenating
The Beginning
Angelina has gone on to admit that she fell in love with Brad while filming for Mr. and Mrs. Smith. However, Brad was still married to Jennifer Aniston at this time. Yet, many believe this was when the couple’s relationship first formed.
The Beginning
Rumors
Both Angelina and Brad denied having an affair while he was still married to Jennifer. Angelina went on to state that her father cheated on her mother and she would never be the ‘other woman’ or be attracted to a cheating man.
Rumors
Separating
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt announced that they were getting divorced in 2005 after being married for five years. The media enjoyed painting Angelina Jolie as the ‘third person’ in the relationship who broke this marriage up, but that wasn’t true.
Separating
The Love Triangle
This love triangle between Angelina, Brad, and Jennifer drew a lot of scrutiny from the public. Their private lives rapidly became the tabloids’ favorite topic. It became common for people to choose between ‘Team Aniston’ and ‘Team Jolie.’
The Love Triangle
The Baby Bump
Angelina and Brad began a quiet relationship once Brad’s divorce from Jennifer was settled. They didn’t comment on their relationship until January 2006 when Angelina confirmed that she was pregnant with Brad’s child.
The Baby Bump
A Good Cause
Brangelina decided that they wanted to sell the pictures of their first biological child, Shiloh, to Getty Images while also controlling the distribution of these photographs. This allowed them to receive more than $7 million, which they donated to UNICEF.
A Good Cause
Stopping the Paparazzi
The couple didn’t want to share their children’s photos in the first place. However, they understood that the paparazzi would eventually get ahold of these. Selling these images gave them control and money to donate to their humanitarian projects.
Stopping The Paparazzi
Tighter Security
A media frenzy was present when Angelina was in the hospital giving birth to Shiloh. Luckily, the couple tightened their security around this hospital, which prevented any reporters from coming near the building.
Tighter Security
Wax Figures
The public became obsessed with the couple that even a wax figure (with Shiloh) was made by Madame Tussauds. The organization justified its actions by stating that Shiloh was already an iconic figure in pop culture despite being a few months old.
Wax Figures
An Icon
It’s undeniable that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are iconic celebrities. However, it’s unclear if this is the same for their child. Many argued that this fame towards Shiloh was an invasion of the newborn baby’s privacy.
An Icon
Massive Decisions
Although the family was facing tabloids, the couple had some plans to make about how they were going to protect their children. Once they returned from Namibia and adjusted to their new life as parents, the couple decided on something that greatly impacted their lives.
Massive Decisions
Adopting Pax
Less than one year after giving birth to Shiloh, Brangelina decided to adopt another child. This was an orphaned Vietnamese boy named Pax. However, this process was complicated as the couple was unmarried. Yet, Pax joined the family in 2007.
Adopting Pax
Their Family
The two parents were overjoyed with their four children and the happy family life they had created. However, this didn’t last long as immense pressure was placed on the family because of media scrutiny.
Their Family
Like Brad
Jolie shared that Shiloh looked a lot like Brad. In a sense, she believed she was going to look like the outcast of the family because she was the only one with blue eyes and blonde hair. However, she wanted all of her kids to love and respect each other.
Like Brad
Tabloid Obsession
The media couldn’t get enough of Shiloh. However, these tabloids didn’t realize that Shiloh was a child of celebrities, and not a celebrity herself. Scrutiny only continued to grow as the child became older.
Tabloid Obsession
Like Her Parents
Although Angelina stated that her daughter was a copy of Brad, people disagreed. They believed that Shiloh looked a lot like Angelina when she was younger. Nonetheless, it’s clear that she had features from both of her parents.
Like Her Parents
Unkind
Shiloh was seen wearing clothes traditionally worn by boys as she grew older. This sparked much unkind press. The tabloids started publishing headlines admonishing Angelina while questioning her parenting choices and her role as a mother.
Unkind
Twins
It wasn’t long before the couple announced that they were pregnant once again after adopting Pax. Tabloids and fans were shocked to find that Brangelina had welcomed twins into the world in July 2008 named Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon.
Twins
Defending Her Daughter
In a 2010 interview with Vanity Fair, Angelina shared that Shiloh enjoyed dressing like a boy and that she wanted to be a boy, so they cut her hair. This caused the media to question if Shiloh was transgender.
Defending Her Daughter
Her Choice
Fans and tabloids went insane once Angelina’s statements were released. Many individuals agreed that Shiloh was displaying signs of being transgender, but others argued that this was just a phase. Nonetheless, Angelina was always supportive of her daughter’s choices.
Her Choice
Questions
Even though much interest and opinions were surrounding Shiloh, many people pointed out that this wasn’t anyone’s business besides the family’s. There wasn’t any reason for Shiloh’s life to be placed in the spotlight, as this had nothing to do with the public.
Questions
Her Preferred Name
Brad appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008. During this interview, he stated Shiloh’s preferred names. He said that she only wanted to be called Peter or John, which is what the family called her. Otherwise, she would correct them.
Her Preferred Name
Chaz’s Support
Many high-profile members of the LGBTQ+ community and organizations actively supported Shiloh. This included Cher’s son, Chaz Bono, who stated that he would love to talk to the family one day to show them the resources they have.
Chaz’s Support
Stressed Kids
The Jolie-Pitt children were placed under a massive amount of stress with the intense scrutiny running around. Rumors about Angelina and Brad getting a divorce also made matters worse. The news took a toll on the kids in 2016 when the divorce was confirmed.
Stressed Kids
The Separation
Angelina and Brad officially announced they were filing for divorce after 12 years together. This news broke on September 15th, 2016 and a few days later, Angelina filed for a divorce and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason.
The Separation
Divorcing Publicly
The couple’s divorce wasn’t simple, and having it highly publicized made the matter even worse. Many rumors began circulating about Brad having an affair, was abusive towards the children, and had a substance abuse issue. However, none have been confirmed.
Divorcing Publicly
Severely Affected
The news of their parent’s divorce wasn’t easy to digest, especially for Shiloh. This was understandable because she was known as a ‘daddy’s girl.’ Having this private news plastered across the world also didn’t make the matter any easier.
Severely Affected
Sole Custody
Angelina filed for sole custody of her children while in the process of divorce. For Shiloh, this was hard to come to terms with, as her father was no longer part of her daily life. Public opinions continued to circulate.
Sole Custody
Living Close
Although Brad was no longer part of his children’s daily lives, he wanted to remain close to them to ensure he remained a massive part of their lives. That’s why he bought a house close by to ensure he could spend time with his kids.
Living Close
A Close Relationship
A source explained to Entertainment Tonight that Shiloh has a close relationship with both her parents. At the time, everyone was looking forward to her birthday. Brad was especially proud of how she always stayed true to herself.
A Close Relationship
An Encouraging Mother
Shiloh has always shown an interest in music and photography. As a mother, Angelina is known for being supportive in all of her children’s endeavors, which is why it makes sense that she gifted Shiloh a ukulele to encourage her love for music.
An Encouraging Mother
Quality Time
Although Angelina and Brad are some of the most famous people in the world, they made time for their children and ensure they are their priorities. The kids thoroughly enjoy having movie nights in their pajamas with Angelina while eating popcorn and plenty of snacks. Their unconditional love and support is evident in this family.
Quality Time
The Battle Rages On
Jolie and Pitt have been separated since April 2019, the two have been engaged in a custody battle ever since. The fight over their six children resulted in a June 2021 a court ruling that ruled in Pitt’s favor, which gave him 50-50 custody over the kids. Jolie is fighting against the decision in the court.
The Battle Rages On
A Hearing Is Set
A court hearing has been set, which will give both parties the chance to present their side of the case to a three justice panel which will decide who will have custody of the kids. Jolie is claiming that she deserves full control since Pitt has a history of domestic violence against her and the children.
A Hearing Is Set
Testified Against Him
The custody battle has been ongoing and very difficult on everyone involved. Their oldest son, Maddox, has testified against his father. He reportedly said that he would even consider removing “Pitt” from his last name.
Testified Against Him
Her Reasons
In an interview with Vogue, Jolie shared: “I separated for the well-being of my family. It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds. In fact, they are six very brave, very strong young people.”
Her Reasons
Changing His Habits
Pitt opened up about his first experience with therapy in an interview with GQ Style in 2017. He said that he was a fan and that it was a positive experience. Additionally, Pitt shared that at the time he was six months sober, and though it was a difficult undertaking, it was worth the effort. He said that his history of not processing his emotions caused his 12 year relationship with Jolie to deteriorate.
Changing His Habits
Speaking Out
While speaking with NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, Pitt reflected on his role as an emotionally distant astronaut whose marriage is falling apart. He said: “A breakup of a family is certainly an eye-opener that as one—and I’m speaking in general again—but as one needs to understand, I had to understand my own culpability in that, and what can I do better. Because I don’t want to go on like this.”
Speaking Out
Things Seemed Okay For Him
Pitt told PeopleTV while at the 2020 SAG Awards that he was feeling good about where he is in life at the moment. He said: “I got friends, I got lovely kids, I like my coffee, I like my dogs. I’ve got no complaints.”
Things Seemed Okay For Him
What About Angelina?
In a September 2017 interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Jolie said: “I don’t enjoy being single. It’s not something I wanted. There’s nothing nice about it. It’s just hard…Sometimes maybe it appears I am pulling it all together, but really I am just trying to get through my days.”
What About Angelina?
Health Struggles
She continued to say: “Emotionally, it’s been a very difficult year and I have had some other health issues. So my health is something I have to monitor.” In a 2016 interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about struggling with Bell’s palsy which caused her temporary facial paralysis. She also struggled with hypertension, which developed in 2016.
Health Struggles
Making Sacrifices
Although she continued acting, Jolie has admitted that since the divorce, she has not been able to direct. In Entertainment Weekly, she said: “I love directing, but I had a change in my family situation that’s not made it possible for me to direct for a few years. I needed to just do shorter jobs and be home more, so I kind of went back to doing a few acting jobs. That’s really the truth of it.”
Making Sacrifices
On The Move
Jolie said that her children grew accustomed to moving around because of their parents’ careers. She told British Vogue: “Well, I was never very good at sitting still. Even though I wanted to have many children and be a mom, I always imagined it kind of like Jane Goodall, traveling in the middle of the jungle somewhere. I didn’t imagine it in that true, traditional sense. I feel like I’m lacking in all the skills to be a traditional stay-at-home mom. I’m managing through it because the children are quite resilient, and they’re helping me, but I’m not good at it at all.”
On The Move
How She’s Doing Now
As of late, Jolie has had a more positive outlook on life. She shared: “I’m feeling that I’ve come through a few things. I’m trying to be hopeful. I think this is something we’ve all discovered through the pandemic. The past few years have been pretty hard. I’ve been focusing on healing our family. It’s slowly coming back, like the ice melting and the blood returning to my body.”
How She’s Doing Now
Going Forward
Since a court has granted the parents 50-50 custody, Pitt is reportedly trying to find a way for Jolie to “be civil” with him, as he is reportedly claiming to not let her keep calling the shots. That means that this long custody battle will likely continue to drag on, since both sides don’t seem to be backing down.
Going Forward
Total Spent
It has been estimated that both Pitt and Jolie have spent about $1 million each on the current divorce proceedings. Everything began in 2016 and it looks like it will continue to go on. One expert estimated that this could go on until 2026.
Total Spent
Still Working
With the ongoing divorce, Jolie has continued acting, despite not directing. She has recently appeared in Those Who Wish Me Dead, as well as her first Marvel movie role in the film Eternals.
Still Working
Brad Too
Brad has also continued to act through the divorce proceedings. He has recently starred in Damien Chazelle’s film Babylon, as well as the action movie Bullet Train.
Brad Too
Their Joint Winery
Brad and Angelina acquired a French castle and winery called Château Miraval, which is located in Correns, France. They got married in the Château in 2014. Now that the two are in the midst of a divorce, what will happen to the Château?
Their Joint Winery
Another Battle
The winery, like much else in the divorce ordeal, has become quite the point of contention. Jolie is interested in selling the place, while it has been reported that Pitt is allegedly preventing her from selling.
Another Battle
Taking It To Court
Jolie asked a judge to remove the automatic temporary restraining order (ATRO) on the divorce in July 2021. The ATRO prevents both her and Pitt from making financial decisions that could potentially cause damage to either side during the proceedings. Since Pitt has not agreed, she is not currently able to sell.
Taking It To Court
Was It Hers All Along?
Jolie’s legal team have argued that the Château is actually solely Angelina’s since it was acquired before she and Pitt were married. She asked a judge to remove the ATRO once again so that she can try to sell the place anway.
Was It Hers All Along?
