Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: The End of an Eight-Year Divorce Battle

After nearly a decade of legal disputes, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reached a settlement in their highly publicized divorce, putting an end to one of Hollywood’s most contentious breakups. The former couple, who filed for divorce in 2016, have been entangled in a series of legal battles over child custody, financial disputes, and even a French vineyard.

This chapter of their lives has been filled with heartbreak, court drama, and significant public scrutiny. Here’s a look at their journey from love to one of Hollywood’s longest divorce battles.

Jolie initiated the divorce back in 2016. Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty

The Beginning of the End

In September 2016, Angelina Jolie, then 49, filed for divorce from her husband, Brad Pitt, 61, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple, who were once Hollywood royalty, had been married for just two years but had been together since 2005 after meeting on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Jolie’s filing included a request for physical custody of their six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox—allowing for visitation rights for Pitt. Notably, she did not request child or spousal support, a decision her attorney described as being “for the health of the family.”

In a statement, Jolie’s lawyer told PEOPLE, “Angelina Jolie Pitt has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting at this time and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time.”

Jolie did not request spousal support. Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Pitt, heartbroken by the split, also emphasized the well-being of their children in his response:
“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”

The Custody Battle

The custody of their children became a focal point of the divorce. Over the years, the relationship between Pitt and his children reportedly became strained, with several of them distancing themselves from their father.

In 2021, Pitt faced a significant blow when Judge John Ouderkirk ruled against him, citing a violation of “ethical obligations” that resulted in him losing visitation rights. The ruling exacerbated the already tense custody battle, with both parties seeking to protect their vision of what was best for their children.

Angelina Jolie with her children: Shiloh, Zahara, Vivienne, Maddox, and Knox. Credit: Karwai Tang / Getty

The Château Miraval Dispute

Beyond custody, the couple also found themselves embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over Château Miraval, a sprawling French vineyard and estate they purchased together in 2008. The estate, which had become a symbol of their union and even served as the location for their 2014 wedding, soon became a point of contention.

In recent years, Pitt accused Jolie of selling her stake in the vineyard without honoring their alleged agreement to offer it to him first. This legal battle remains ongoing, showcasing how their financial entanglements continued to fuel tensions long after their romantic relationship ended.

Jolie’s Perspective on the Split

While remaining largely private about the details of her split, Jolie spoke publicly in a 2021 interview with The Guardian, sharing that the decision to divorce was not made lightly.

“I’m not the kind of person who makes decisions like the decisions I had to make lightly,” Jolie said.
“It took a lot for me to be in a position where I felt I had to separate from the father of my children. In some ways, it’s been the last decade. There’s a lot I can’t say.”

Jolie previously stated that she couldn't say much about her split amid legal proceedings. Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty

Her words hinted at the emotional toll the divorce had taken on her and her family, while leaving much of the story untold due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Reaching a Settlement

Now, eight years after Jolie first filed for divorce, the two have finally reached a settlement. Jolie’s legal representative, James Simon, expressed her relief at the development in a statement shared with the New York Post:

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

Pitt’s representatives declined to comment on the settlement, signaling a desire to move forward without further public discussion.

The two are still fighting another legal battle after finalizing their divorce. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty/Cinema for Peace

What Lies Ahead

Despite this milestone, the former power couple remains locked in ongoing legal disputes, particularly surrounding Château Miraval. The vineyard saga highlights the complexities of disentangling financial and business partnerships formed during their relationship.

While the divorce itself may now be settled, it’s clear that some aspects of their separation will continue to play out in courtrooms and public discourse for the foreseeable future.

Reflections on a Tumultuous Journey

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s relationship, once celebrated as a fairytale romance, has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most infamous breakups. Their journey through love, family, and divorce underscores the challenges of navigating deeply personal issues under the relentless gaze of the public eye.

As they close the door on this chapter, fans and followers hope for a resolution that brings peace and healing—not just to Brad and Angelina, but to their six children, whose well-being remains at the heart of this story.

Featured Image Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty/AFI