Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have officially reached a settlement in their long-running divorce case, concluding an eight-year legal struggle that captured global attention. The resolution addresses lingering disputes over custody and finances, bringing some closure to one of Hollywood’s most publicized separations.
History of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Relationship
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, often referred to as “Brangelina,” were one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples. The two met while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2004, sparking rumors of an affair as Pitt was still married to actress Jennifer Aniston at the time.
By 2005, Jolie and Pitt confirmed their relationship and began building a family together. Over the years, they welcomed six children—three biological and three adopted. They became known not only for their on-screen chemistry but also for their humanitarian efforts, often appearing as a united front on global issues.
The couple tied the knot in 2014 at their French estate, Château Miraval, in a private ceremony attended by their children. However, by 2016, their marriage had begun to unravel, leading to Jolie filing for divorce and initiating one of Hollywood’s most contentious splits.
The Custody Battle: A Family Torn Apart
The custody of their six children has been the most contentious aspect of the divorce. Initially, Jolie sought sole physical custody, citing concerns about Pitt’s parenting following an alleged incident aboard a private plane in 2016.
A temporary shared custody arrangement was reached in 2018, but disputes persisted, with Jolie later appealing a court ruling that granted Pitt joint custody. The reversal of this decision by a California appeals court prolonged the battle.
Today, custody arrangements apply only to their youngest children, twins Vivienne and Knox, while their other children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh—are now adults.
Rad Also-Kerry Washington’s “Six Triple Eight” Highlights the Heroic Role of Black Women in WWII
Château Miraval: A Financial Dispute
The couple’s French winery, Château Miraval, became a flashpoint in their financial disagreements. Jolie sold her stake in the winery in 2021, a move Pitt claimed breached their prior agreement. The legal battle over this property continues, showcasing the complexities of untangling their shared financial ventures.
The 2016 Plane Incident and Allegations of Abuse
The alleged incident aboard a private plane in 2016 cast a shadow over the divorce proceedings. Jolie accused Pitt of abusive behavior toward her and their children during the flight, claims he has consistently denied.
Although Pitt was never charged following an investigation by the FBI and child services, the allegations have remained a central element of Jolie’s narrative, influencing public perception of the divorce.
The Bifurcated Divorce: A Legal Strategy
In 2019, Pitt and Jolie were declared legally single through a bifurcated judgment, allowing them to dissolve their marital status while other issues—such as custody and property division—remained unresolved. While this approach expedited their single status, it also highlighted the complexity and contentiousness of their divorce.
A Settlement Reached: Moving Forward
On December 30, 2024, the former couple finalized a settlement agreement. Though the specifics remain confidential, this marks the end of the primary legal disputes in their divorce. Jolie’s lawyer expressed her relief, noting, “Angelina is ready to move forward and focus on her family.”
The Emotional Toll of a High-Profile Divorce
The years-long battle has taken a significant emotional toll on both Jolie and Pitt. Jolie has consistently emphasized her children’s well-being as her top priority, while Pitt has expressed a desire to maintain a strong bond with his family.
What’s Next for Jolie and Pitt?
Despite the settlement, unresolved issues—such as the dispute over Château Miraval—may keep the two engaged in legal proceedings. Additionally, the journey toward healing and rebuilding their family relationships is likely to continue.
Conclusion
The divorce settlement between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie closes one chapter of their highly publicized separation. Their story underscores the complexities of divorce, especially when compounded by fame, family, and financial entanglements.
While the legal battles may be largely over, the focus now shifts to healing and moving forward, both for the former couple and their children.
