Headline: Brad Pitt Breaks Silence on Divorce Finalization from Angelina Jolie

After more than eight tumultuous years of legal wrangling, the curtains have finally closed on one of Hollywood's most high-profile divorces, that of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The divorce was legally settled in December 2024, but Pitt's recent comments on the matter offer a surprising, almost nonchalant, perspective that starkly contrasts with the ongoing emotional turmoil within their family.

In a candid interview with GQ, the actor was asked if he felt any relief now that the lengthy legal battle was over. His response was notably understated: “No, I don’t think it was that major of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally.” This casual dismissal comes six months after the official legal closure of a divorce that began in 2016 when Jolie first filed to dissolve their marriage. Though they were declared legally single in 2019, the intricacies of their shared assets and child custody dragged the final settlement on for years.

Angelina Jolie's attorney, in a statement at the time of the settlement, painted a very different picture, highlighting the emotional toll on his client. "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.” It was also revealed that Jolie waived any right to spousal support from Pitt permanently.

However, the legal finality masks a deep and painful emotional chasm. Despite the divorce being behind them, the relationship between Pitt and his six children , Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (20), Shiloh (19), and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne reportedly remains severely strained. Several of the children have even chosen to drop his last name.

Last year, reports confirmed that Shiloh had legally removed "Pitt" from her surname, a decision that reportedly "deeply affected" the actor. Sources close to Pitt revealed his profound sadness, with one noting, “He’s never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter.” Another source added, “The reminders that he’s lost his children is, of course, not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad.”

The strained ties with his children are widely reported to stem from a contentious 2016 incident aboard a private jet, during which Pitt was accused of being verbally abusive and physical. This aligns with a past social media post from his son Pax, who in 2020, reportedly referred to Pitt as a "world-class a--hole" and claimed his younger siblings were fearful in his presence.

While the legal chapter of "Brangelina" is officially closed, the emotional wounds within the family clearly remain raw, with genuine reconciliation appearing unlikely in the foreseeable future. The story serves as a poignant reminder that while legal battles can conclude, the deeper human complexities often endure.