Early Adopters
In 2002, Angelina Jolie was getting over her divorce from Billy Bob Thornton. That’s when she made the decision to adopt her first son Maddox. Back then, he was just six months old. He was an orphan, born and living in Cambodia.
Early Adopters
Growing Family
A few years later in 2005, Jolie decided to grow her family further by adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia. The baby, named Zahara, soon joined the growing family. Fans and tabloids could get enough of the baby news, but nothing could prepare them for the news that one day not so far away, Brad and Angelina would be expecting a baby of their own.
Growing Family
Media Obsession
Angelina started raising Maddox and Zahara on her own, but when she began her relationship with Brad Pitt, he quickly became a hands-on father figure for the kids. Brad always yearned to be a father, and he finally had the chance. Several years into their relationship, the couple announced that they were expecting their first biological baby.
Media Obsession
Spending Time In Africa
The media could not get enough of the couple, and so they decided to head to Namibia to get away from the public eye before Angelina gave birth. While reporters were desperate to catch any glimpse they could of the family, them being in Africa made it much more difficult for the paparazzi to follow their every move.
Spending Time In Africa
Keeping Out Of The Spotlight
Many celebrities retreat from the public eye when it comes to their families. A lot of famous parents don’t think it’s right to have their children in the public eye and vulnerable to the paparazzi. Other celebrities give in to the inevitable fact that the public are interested in their personal lives. It makes sense that Brad and Angelina chose to travel so far away to get some quiet.
Heading To Namibia
A New Addition
Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt was born in May 2006 in Swakopmund, Namibia. Apparently, while giving birth to Shiloh, Angelina was given morphine that led to fits of hysteric laughter. At least she was laughing and not screaming in pain!
A New Addition
Another Adoption
After Shiloh was born in 2007, Jolie adopted son, Pax Thien. He was born in 2003 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Brad and Angelina visited his orphanage in 2006, and soon after Jolie applied to adopt Pax as a single parent, since unmarried couples are not allowed to adopt children in Vietnam. In 2008, Brad officially adopted Pax.
Another Adoption
Going Hyphenated
A few years after Brad and Angelina were together, the two decided that they wanted to make things more official for their kids. They decided that Brad would officially adopt Jolie’s adopted children. They agreed to hyphenate the kids’ names to Jolie-Pitt.
Going Hyphenated
Where It Started
Angelina admitted that in 2005, while filming the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, she fell in love with Brad. At the same, he was stilled married to Jennifer Aniston. Many speculated on the nature of their relationship and what may or may not have happened during the film’s filming.
Where It Started
Rumored Affair
Both Brad and Angelina vehemently denied engaging in an affair while he was still married. Jolie said in an interview: “To be intimate with a married man, when my own father cheated on my mother, is not something I could forgive. I could not look at myself in the morning if I did that. I wouldn’t be attracted to a man who would cheat on his wife.”
Rumored Affair
The End Of His Marriage
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston got together in 1998 and got married in 2000. In 2005, the two announced that they were separating. The media loved to paint a picture of the two having an acrimonious relationship, but both have been open about the fact that they remain on good terms and even check in with one another from time to time.
The End Of His Marriage
Team Aniston vs. Team Jolie
The love triangle between the three beautiful famous people drew much intense scrutiny from the public. Their personal lives became tabloid fodder to the point where people were choosing to either side with “Team Jolie” or “Team Aniston.” It was common to see people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with whichever “team” they felt a part of.
Deny, Deny, Deny
Baby Bump
After Brad’s divorce was official, the two began an initially quiet relationship with one another. They did not comment on their relationship publicly up until January 2006, when Jolie confirmed that she was pregnant with Pitt’s child. The announcement drove the public absolutely wild.
Baby Bump
For A Good Cause
After giving birth to Shiloh, their first biological child together, Brangelina decided that the right thing to do was to sell the first pictures of her to Getty Images and control the distribution of their baby’s photo. This way, they were able to donate the $4.1 million from People and the $3.5 million from Hello! yo UNICEF.
For A Good Cause
Keeping The Paparazzi Away
Although we’re sure that neither Brad or Angelina wanted to sell their baby’s photos in the first place, they knew that eventually the paparazzi would find a way to get ahold of them. This way, they were able to have agency over the photos and also donate any money made off of the photos initially to a good cause.
Keeping The Paparazzi Away
Tightened Security
While Angelina was at the hospital in order to give birth to Shiloh, there was a media frenzy outside. However, there was also tightened security around the hospital, and reporters were absolutely not allowed near the hospital. The only people allowed were those with written permission from Brad and Angelina.
Tightened Security
Wax Figure
People became so obsessed with the couple and baby Shiloh that a wax figure of the baby was made by Madame Tussauds. The company defended its decision at the time by saying that: “even though she’s just a few months old, Shiloh is already an iconic figure in the world of popular culture.”
Wax Figure
Newborn Icon
While it is undeniable that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are iconic A-list actors, it’s not clear if the same could be said for their baby. Many did not agree that a newborn baby could be an icon, and that it was intrusive to her privacy to make such a sensation out of her birth.
Newborn Icon
Big Decision
Throughout the public’s extreme fascination with the family and their newborn baby, Brad and Angelina were busy making even more plans for their family. After returning home from Namibia and getting nestled into life with their new baby, the couple made a huge decision that would impact their lives in a huge way.
Big Decision
Pax’s Adoption
Less than a year after Shiloh was born, the couple decided to adopt another child. That’s when Angelina adopted Pax from Vietnam. The two wanted to adopt him together, but were unable to due to the laws in Vietnam regarding unmarried couples. Pax joined their family in 2007 and was adopted by Brad officially a year later.
Pax’s Adoption
Family Of Six
The family was finally settling in together, the two parents over the moon with their four children. It seemed like everything was absolutely perfect, but sadly, this wouldn’t last forever. Of course, the intense media scrutiny began to place pressure on the family.
Family Of Six
Like Father, Like Daughter
In an interview, Jolie shared that “Shiloh looks like Brad. It’s funny because she’s almost going to be the outcast in the family because she’s blonde and blue-eyed.” She became concerned that her kids would feel animosity towards one another, and she did everything in her power to make sure they love and respect each other.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Media’s Obsession
Of course, the media could not get enough of the biological child of two of the most famous people in the world. Unfortunately, they did not think about the fact that Shiloh is not just a child of celebrities, but also a human being. As she grew, the scrutiny would only continue to grow as well.
Media’s Obsession
Looking Like Her Parents
Even though Angelina said Shiloh looks like a copy of her father, many disagreed and said she looks like a young Angelina. It’s clear that she resembles both of her famous parents. Unfortunately, the media’s obsession with her would only continue to grow.
Looking Like Her Parents
Unkind Tabloid Attention
As Shiloh grew up, she was seen wearing clothes that were traditionally worn by boys. Instead of leaving her be, the tabloids chose to take an unkind route and began publishing headlines that admonished Angelina and questioned whether her choices as a mother were harming the child.
Unkind Tabloid Attention
Twin Arrival
After adopting Pax, it wasn’t long before the couple announced that Jolie was pregnant once again. In July 2008, fans and tabloids were shocked to hear that Angelina had given birth to twins, Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline. The babies were born in Nice, France. Of course, the media went absolutely crazy with the pregnancy news and eventually the news of the births.
Twin Arrival
Angelina Defends Her Daughter
In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2010, Angelina shared: “[Shiloh] likes to dress like a boy. She wants to be a boy. So we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.” This led the media to question whether Shiloh is transgender.
Angelina Defends Her Daughter
Her Own Choice
After Angelina’s statements, tabloids and fans went into a tizzy. Many people agreed that Shiloh was showing signs of being trans, while others said that she was just going through a phase. Jolie always defended her daughter’s choices.
Her Own Choice
People Raised Questions
While these questions swirled and people were questioning things, many brought up the point that it is absolutely nobody’s business. While Shiloh’s parents are famous, there’s no reason why her life should be in the spotlight. She did not choose to be well known, and her life should not be in the tabloids, especially since she is just a child.
People Raised Questions
Support From Chaz
Many organizations and high profile members of the LGBTQ+ community spoke out in support of Shiloh. Cher’s son Chaz Bono, offered words of support: “I would love to talk to them at some point, [And] at least let them know we have this resource for them if they ever need it. For a child who had grown up in the spotlight, under the watchful eye of the media, it can be too much to handle.”
Support From Chaz
The Kids Were Stressed
Through all of the intense scrutiny from the media and new rumors swirling around about their parents getting a divorce, the Jolie-Pitt kids were placed under a lot of stress. In 2016, once it was clear that the divorce was actually happening, it was clear that the news was taking a toll on the kids.
The Kids Were Stressed
Announcing Their Separation
After twelve years of being together, Brad and Angelina officially announced that they were separated on September 15th, 2016. A few days later, Angelina filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. By April 2019, the court restored the two to single status officially.
Announcing Their Separation
A Public Divorce
The divorce was not a simple one, and it was made even more complicated by the fact that it was highly publicized. Many rumors swirled around the Brad had engaged in an affair, had a substance abuse problem, and was even abusive towards his children. While many rumors came about, none have ever been confirmed as of now.
A Public Divorce
Shiloh Was Severely Affected
Shiloh was always a “daddy’s girl,” and the news of her parents divorce certainly was not easy to digest. It must be incredibly difficult to go through growing up with two famous parents, especially during times of turmoil and with your private business being plastered all over the news.
Shiloh Was Severely Affected
Sole Custody
In the process of the divorce, Angelina filed for sole custody of the six children that the couple shared. Many people commented that the whole ordeal was tough on Shiloh, who was having trouble with the fact that her father was not a part of her daily life anymore.
Sole Custody
Living Close By
Even though he would not be a part of their daily lives, Brad wanted the kids to be sure that he was still going to be a huge part of their lives. He made sure to live close by so that they could still spend time with one another.
Living Close By
Preferred Name
In a 2008 appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s show, Brad Pitt discussed Shiloh. He shared that “She only wants to be called John. John or Peter. So, it’s a Peter Pan thing. So, we’ve got to call her John.” He also said that when they call her Shiloh, she would correct them.
Preferred Name
Very Close
A source told Entertainment Tonight shared that: “Shiloh is close to both of her parents. All the kids have been looking forward to Shiloh’s birthday and plan to celebrate with a birthday cake. Brad is so proud of Shiloh and who she has become. He loves that she always stays true to herself and is so good to her brothers and sisters.”
Very Close
Encouraging Shiloh
As she grows up, Shiloh has been showing interest in photography and also in music. Her mother even gave her a ukelele as a gift. Jolie is constantly encouraging her daughter in her interests. Perhaps one day Shiloh will pursue a career in entertainment as well.
Encouraging Shiloh
Quality Time
Despite the fact that she is one of the most well known people in the world, Jolie tries to make sure the family is as normal as possible. She and the kids spend time together and have movie nights with pajamas, robes, popcorn, and plenty of snacks.
Quality Time
The Battle Rages On
Although Pitt and Jolie have been separated since April 2019, there has been an ongoing custody battle to decide who will have custody of their six children. Early on in June 2021, a court decided to rule in Pitt’s favor, awarding his 50/50 custody over their children. Jolie plans to fight against this decision.
The Battle Rages On
A Hearing Is Set
A court hearing has been made where both sides attorneys will be given the opportunity to present their side of the argument to a three justice panel in order to decide who gets to have custody of the children. Jolie claims that she should have full control of the children as Pitt has a history of domestic violence against her and the children.
A Hearing Is Set
Testified Against Him
The custody battle has been quite difficult for all involved. The couple’s oldest son, Maddox testified against his father, reportedly saying that he would even go as far as remove the “Pitt” portion of his last name in order to only have Jolie as his last name.
Testified Against Him
Her Reasons
Jolie opened up in an interview with Vogue, saying: “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
In an interview with GQ Style in 2017, Pitt opened up and shared his experience with therapy for the first time, saying that he really loved it. He also shared that (at the time) he was six months sober, saying that although it was a tough undertaking, it was quite necessary. He shared that his history of not processing of emotions led to his 12-year relationship with Jolie to fall apart.
Changing His Habits
Speaking Out
In a 2019 interview with NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, Pitt 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,” while reflecting on his role as an emotionally distant astronaut with a crumbling marriage.
Speaking Out
Things Seemed Okay For Him
While speaking to PeopleTV on the SAG Awards red carpet in 2020, Pitt had a positive on his current life situation. He shared: “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?
Meanwhile, in September 2017, Jolie told the Sunday Telegraph “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.”
Angelina Jolie
Health Struggles
Jolie also shared that: “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.” She told Vanity Fair in 2016 that she also struggled with a bout of Bell’s palsy, causing her temporary facial paralysis, as well as hypertension that she developed in 2016.
Health Struggles
Making Sacrifices
While Jolie has continued her acting work, she has admitted that she has not been able to direct ever since the divorce. She told Entertainment Weekly: “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
The Jolie-Pitt children are used to constantly moving around, and a lot of that is because of their parents’ careers. Jolie shared with 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
Most recently, Jolie has had a more positive outlook. She said that: “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
Now that a court has granted 50-50 shared custody, Pitt is looking to pave the way for Jolie to “be civil” with him. He allegedly also is no longer letting her call the shots, which means this long and bitter custody battle is likely not going to end anytime soon now that both sides are not going to back down.
Going Forward
Total Spent
Thus far, both Brad and Angelina have spent about $1 million each on the divorce proceedings. This all dates back to 2016, and it doesn’t look like it will end in the near future. One expert weighed in and said that things could potentially drag on until 2026.
Total Spent
Still Working
With the backdrop of the ongoing divorce, and despite the fact that she is no longer directing, Jolie has continued to work. She has most recently appeared in the drama Those Who Wish Me Dead and will also appear in Eternals, marking her first Marvel movie role.
Still Working
Brad Too
Meanwhile, Brad Pitt has also kept busy in the industry. He appeared in the action film Bullet Train and will also appear in Damien Chazelle’s upcoming film Babylon.
Brad Too
Their Joint Winery
While they were married, Brad and Angelina purchased Château Miraval, a French castle and winery located in Correns, France. This is also where they got married in 2014. Now that they are divorced, what happened to the place?
Their Joint Winery
Another Battle
As with the whole divorce ordeal, the winery has also posed as a point of contention. Jolie wants to sell the Château, but has claimed that Pitt is allegedly trying to prevent her from doing so.
Another Battle
Taking It To Court
In July 2021, Jolie asked a judge to intervene to remove the automatic temporary restraining order (ATRO) on her divorce, which prevents both parties from making financial decisions could cause damage to either side during the divorce proceedings. Since Pitt has not agreed, she has not been able to sell even though she has a prospective buyer.
Taking It To Court
Was It Hers All Along?
Jolie’s legal team has also made the argument that the Château and winery was solely hers from the start, since it was acquired before the two got married in 2014. She will ask a judge once again to remove the ATRO so that she can sell the place.
Was It Hers All Along?