Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were once the most talked about power house couple that defined the span of Hollywood. This was because of the great charisma attached to them by quite a few, by the love story they created and above all the families they made together. But, like every other fairy tale, this one ended rather abruptly with the filing of case for divorce by Jolie in September 2016 on grounds of ‘irreconcilable differences’. What was next was an even longer, dirtier slog of a legal battle lasting for eight years: more than four times the time of their marriage of a mere two years. Let’s look into the background of why all of this took so long.
Custody Battles and Legal Challenges
One of the primary reasons for the prolonged divorce was the dispute over the custody of their six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Initially, Jolie sought sole custody, while Pitt wanted joint custody.
In 2018, the couple reached a temporary custody agreement, but it fell apart soon after. In 2021, a private judge granted Pitt joint custody. However, the judge’s ruling was overturned when it was revealed that he had undisclosed business relationships with Pitt’s lawyers, raising concerns about bias. This setback prolonged the legal process, with the custody case reverting to square one.
Adding to the complications, their children, now aged 16 to 23, reportedly had differing opinions about their relationships with their parents. Showbiz journalist Jeanne Wolf emphasized the emotional toll on the family, stating, “It’s been a very emotional and complicated divorce settlement. It’s taken a big toll on the children and the couple involved.”
The Chateau Miraval Dispute
Beyond custody, the divorce was further complicated by a bitter legal battle over Chateau Miraval, a vineyard and estate in southeast France that the couple purchased in 2008. This picturesque property held sentimental value, as it was where they married in 2014.
The vineyard became a contentious point when Jolie sold her share to a spirits manufacturer linked to a Russian oligarch. Pitt filed a lawsuit against her, alleging that they had agreed not to sell their shares without mutual consent. Jolie, however, has not publicly commented on the matter. This ongoing legal tussle over the estate further delayed the finalization of their divorce.
Emotional Fallout and Allegations
The divorce proceedings were also marred by allegations and emotional turmoil. In 2016, reports emerged about an incident on a private plane, where Pitt allegedly became abusive towards Jolie and their son Maddox. Although the FBI and social workers investigated, no charges were filed.
Years later, Jolie’s legal team brought up the incident again during the vineyard dispute, accusing Pitt of drunkenly attacking her and their children during the flight. Pitt denied the allegations, and a source close to him labeled the claims as “completely untrue.”
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The accusations and counter-accusations not only strained their relationship further but also made it harder to reach an amicable resolution.
A Case of Bitterness and Industry Dynamics
Celebrity lawyer Chris Melcher described the Jolie-Pitt divorce as unusually lengthy. “This is much longer than any divorce we typically see,” he noted.
The drawn-out nature of the case was attributed to the couple’s inability to let go and their desire to hurt each other. “All the bitterness is partly why the divorce has dragged on for so many years: Neither will let it go,” a source said.
Kate Daly, co-founder of online divorce company Amicable, pointed out that such high-profile divorces are often prolonged due to the involvement of expensive lawyers and the industry dynamics. “Most people couldn’t afford for it to take eight years. It’s an industry, and it’s a bad example,” she said.
The Beginning of the End / Brad Pitt
Jolie and Pitt’s relationship crowned the beginning that blossomed when they first met on the Mr. & Mrs. Smith set about five years ago in 2005. Both married people- Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston, while Jolie married twice, first to Jonny Lee Miller, then to Billy Bob Thornton- shared an intangible charm between them. Eventually, they were to make a perfect family life together.
But over the years, it all started cracking. The last time they walked the red carpet together was in 2015 for By the Sea, in which Jolie wrote and directed a storyline about a disintegrating marriage. Jolie, who reflected upon their relationship, said, “Brad and I have our issues.” He said, “We have fights and problem areas like a few other couples.”
The 2016 airplane incident described to Jolie as the moment when she made up her mind to take real steps to ensure well-being for her family.
Moving Forward
Jolie and Pitt had been battling it out for years before eventually reaching legal separation statuses in 2019. The divorce settlement would not occur until December of 2024. According to Jolie’s attorney, the process was “horrendous,” adding that, “she is just glad the chapter is finally over.”
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Sources close to the actor have it that although Pitt has survived a time of being in contact with his elder children, he still keeps his visitation rights with the younger ones. “It pains him deeply,” said the sources on distance from his children.