Early Adopters
As she was getting over her divorce from actor Billy Bob Thornton, in 2002, Angelina decided she wanted to adopt a child. She adopted her first son, named Maddox, who was just six months old and orphaned in Cambodia.
Early Adopters
Growing Family
In 2005, Jolie wanted to expand her family even further and adopted her second child, a baby girl named Zahara from Ethiopia. The tabloids, as well as fans, could not get enough of the story, but they had no idea what was waiting for them around the corner.
Growing Family
Media Obsession
While Angelina started out as a single mother to Maddox and Zahara, when she began dating Brad Pitt, he became a father figure to the children as well. He always wanted to be a father, and he finally was able to have the chance. A few years into their relationship, the couple announced that they were expecting their first biological child together.
Media Obsession
Spending Time In Africa
As is expected when two Hollywood mega stars are in a relationship, the press could not get enough. That’s why they chose to go to Namibia in order to stay away from the paparazzi before Angelina gave birth. Reporters were desperate to snap photos of the expecting couple, but being away in Africa complicated the matter for the paparazzi.
Spending Time In Africa
Keeping Out Of The Spotlight
Unsurprisingly, a lot of celebrities choose to keep away from the spotlight when it comes to their family life. A lot of famous parents want to keep their children away from the public eye, and especially away from the non-stop paparazzi attention. This is likely the reason Brad and Angelina chose to go so far away from home in order to find some quiet around the birth of their child.
Keeping Out Of The Spotlight
A New Addition
Their first baby together, Shilog Nouvel Jolie-Pitt was born in May 2006 in Swakompund, Namibia. Reportedly, while giving birth, Angelina was given morphine, which led her to bursting into fits of laughter. We’re glad that she was laughing and not screaming in pain instead.
A New Addition
Another Adoption
In 2007, a year after Shiloh was born, Jolie adopted another child, named Pax Thien. He was born in 2003 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. In 2006, Brad and Angelina visited his orphanage and Jolie applied to adopt Pax as a single parent, as per Vietnamese laws that prevent unmarried couples from adopting children. In 2008, Brad adopted Pax as his son as well.
Another Adoption
Going Hyphenated
Several years after the two were in a relationship, Angelina and Brad felt that it was time to make things a bit more official for their family. It was time for Brad to officially adopt Angelina’s children, and they opted to change their kids last names to Jolie-Pitt.
Going Hyphenated
Where It Started
Angelina admitted that she fell in love with Brad in 2005 while they were on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. He was stilled married to his previous wife, Jennifer Aniston at the time. A lot of people began to speculate what the nature of the relationship was and what might have taken place during the time the film was being made.
Where It Started
Rumored Affair
Though it was rumored, Brad and Angelina vehemently deny that they had engaged in an affair while he was still married to Aniston. In an interview, Jolie shared: “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 began dating in 1998 and then eventually tied the knot in 2000. In 2005, the couple announced that they would be separating. Of course, the media loved to portray the two as being acrimonious towards one another, but the two stress that they have remained on good terms, are friendly with one another, and check in once in a while.
The End Of His Marriage
Team Aniston vs. Team Jolie
This supposed love triangle took the public by storm as could be expected by the fact that they are three beautiful celebrities. Their personal lives became a hot topic, so much so that people were choosing “Team Aniston” or “Team Jolie.” In fact, people wore T-shirts that were emblazoned with the name of the “team” they chose.
Team Aniston Vs. Team Jolie
Baby Bump
Once Brad and Jennifer officially divorced, he and Angelina began a quiet relationship. They would not publicly comment on the matter until January 2006, when she confirmed that she was pregnant with Brad’s baby. The announcement drove the public completely wild.
Baby Bump
For A Good Cause
Once having their first baby, Shiloh, Brangelina felt that the right thing to do would be to sell the first photos of the baby to Getty Images and donate the $4.1 million from People and $3.5 million from Hello! to UNICEF. This was, they could control the distribution of the baby’s photo and also give money to a good cause.
For A Good Cause
Keeping The Paparazzi Away
Of course, we’re sure that both Brad and Angelina would have preferred not to sell photos of their baby at all, but they came to terms with the fact that the paparazzi would find a way to get their hands on the photos anyway. They chose this path so that they could have the agency ver the photos themselves and be able to control where they money made off of them goes, which was to a charity.
Keeping The Paparazzi Away
Tightened Security
While Angelina was at the hospital in order to give birth, there was a frenzy outside created by the media trying to get a glimpse of anything they possibly could. For that reason, security at the hospital was tightened and reporters were banned from getting close to the hospital. Only people with written permission from Angelina and Brad were allowed to come in.
Tightened Security
Wax Figure
People’s obsessed with Brangelina and their new baby came to such great heights that a wax figure of them and baby Shiloh was made by Madame Tussauds. The company came under fire but defended its decision by saying: “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
Of course, both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are iconic stars, but it is debatable whether the same should have been said for their newborn baby. A lot of people did not agree that a newborn could be considered an “icon” and if it was an invasion of her privacy to sensationalize her birth to such a degree.
Newborn Icon
Big Decision
Of course, while the public was fixated on the couple and their newborn baby, Brangelina were busy making some more important, life altering decisions. Once they came home from Namibia and settled down into family life, they made a decision that would impact their family forever.
Big Decision
Pax’s Adoption
Before Shiloh was even a year old, Brad and Angelina decided to adopt a third child. Angelina adopted Pax from Vietnam. Although they wanted to both adopt him, the laws in Vietnam prevented them from adopting him as an unmarried couple. Pax joined the family in 2007 and a year later, Brad officially adopted him as well.
Pax’s Adoption
Family Of Six
The two parents were over the moon with their family of four kids, and the family was finally settling in to life together. It seemed like nothing could get in their way, but sadly, we know that isn’t true. Of course, the insane media scrutiny started to place pressure on them all.
Family Of Six
Like Father, Like Daughter
In an interview, Angelina Jolie said 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 was worried that her kids will not get along, and so she made sure to do everything she possibly could to make sure the kids respect and love one another.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Media’s Obsession
The fact that Shiloh is the daughter of two of the most famous people on the planet meant that the media could not get enough of seeing and finding out more about her. They seemed to have forgotten the fact that she is not just the child of celebrities, but first and foremost a human being. As Shiloh grew up in the spotlight, the scrutiny only grew more intense.
Media’s Obsession
Looking Like Her Parents
Despite the fact that Angelina said that she thinks Shiloh is an exact copy of her famous father, many people disagree and think that she looks like a young Angelina. What’s clear is that she very much resembles both of her celebrity parents. The media’s obsession with Shiloh would only continue to grow.
Looking Like Her Parents
Unkind Tabloid Attention
While Shiloh was growing up, she was photographed wear what would be considered traditionally boys’ clothing. Instead of leaving her alone, the media went down a very unkind path and began to publish headlines questioning Angelina Jolie’s choices as a parent and asking whether she was harming her child by letting her wear whatever she wanted.
Unkind Tabloid Attention
Twin Arrival
Not long after adopting Pax, Brad and Angelina announced that she was once again expecting. In July 2008, fans were stunned to learn that Angelina had given birth to twins Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon. They were born in Nice, France, and of course were immediately the new objects of the media scrutiny.
Twin Arrival
Angelina Defends Her Daughter
In a 2010 Vanity Fair interview, Angelina said: “[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 a lot of people as well as the media to start to question whether Shiloh is transgender.
Angelina Defends Her Daughter
Her Own Choice
Of course, after Angelina’s statements were made, the media went absolutely bonkers. Some people agreed that Shiloh was showing signs of being trans, while others insisted that she was merely going through a phase. Angelina constantly defended her daughter’s choices.
Her Own Choice
People Raised Questions
Of course, as these questions came about, a lot of people brought up the point that none of this was anybody’s business but Shiloh’s. Of course, her parents are famous, but that doesn’t mean that her personal life should be lambasted in the spotlight. She did not choose to be famous, and her life shouldn’t be tabloid fodder, especially since she is a child.
People Raised Questions
Support From Chaz
A lot of organizations as well as high profile LGBTQ+ community members spoke out in support of Shiloh during this time. Chaz Bono, who is Cher’s son, said: “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
Of course, all of these rumors and increased paparazzi scrutiny took a toll on the family. There were now rumors of Brad and Angelina separating, and the Jolie-Pitt children were very stressed out from it all. By 2016, it was clear that the divorce was actually in the works, and the news was clearly negatively impacting their children.
The Kids Were Stressed
Announcing Their Separation
Following a 12 year relationship, Angelina and Brad formally announced on September 15th, 2016 that they were separated. Several days later, Angelina had filed for a divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In April 2019, the two were restored to single status officially by a court.
Announcing Their Separation
A Public Divorce
This was not a simple, straightforward divorce, and it became much more complicated because of the fact that it was so highly publicized. There were a lot of rumors going around including that Brad had had an affair, that he was abusing alcohol, and that he was abusive towards the children. None of these rumors have officially been confirmed as of now.
A Public Divorce
Shiloh Was Severely Affected
Growing up, Shiloh was always very close with her father, so the news of her parents separation definitely impacted her in a major way. It’s already challenging to grow up with internationally recognized parents, but it must be so much worse during times of turmoil and to see your personal business all over the tabloids.
Shiloh Was Severely Affected
Sole Custody
As the divorce proceedings went on, Angelina filed to have sole custody of the children. A lot of people said that this whole ordeal was especially tough on Shiloh, who was having trouble coping with the idea that her father would no longer be a part of her daily life.
Sole Custody
Living Close By
Even though Brad would not be living with them anymore, he wanted to make sure that he would still be a regular part of their lives. That’s why he and Angelina agreed that it would be best for him to leave nearby and that the kids could see him often.
Living Close By
Preferred Name
While interviewing with Oprah Winfrey in 2008, Brad Pitt discussed Shiloh, explaining: “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 shared that when they did refer to her as Shiloh, she would correct them immediately.
Preferred Name
Very Close
A source close to Entertainment Tonight shared: “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 Shiloh continues to grow up in the spotlight, she has developed her own interests, including photography and music. Her mother gifted her a ukelele, and is always encouraging her to pursue her interests. Maybe one day Shiloh will also have interest in pursuing a career in entertainment.
Encouraging Shiloh
Quality Time
Even though Jolie is one of the most famous (and busy) people on the planet, she tries to make sure family time is a top priority. She spends a lot of time with the kids and they enjoy having movie nights with PJ’s, robes, popcorn, and of course, lots of snacks.
Quality Time
The Battle Rages On
Despite the fact that Jolie and Pitt separated in April 2019, their custody battle has stretched on. In early June 2021, a court chose to rule in Pitt’s favor, giving him 50/50 custody over the kids, a decision that Angelina plans to fight against.
The Battle Rages On
A Hearing Is Set
A court hearing in which the attorneys from both sides will be given a chance to present their side of the argument to a panel has been set. The three justice panel will decide who will have custody rights to the kids. Jolie asserts that she should have sole custody as Pitt has shown a history of domestic violence against her and the kids.
A Hearing Is Set
Testified Against Him
As is often the case, the custody battle has been tumultuous for all of those involved. Maddox, their oldest child, even testified against his father, saying that he would go as far as removing the “Pitt” portion of his name in order to only have Jolie as part of his last name.
Testified Against Him
Her Reasons
In an interview with Vogue, Jolie shared: “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 a GQ interview in 2017, Brad Pitt was open about his experience with therapy for the first time, saying that it was a positive experience for him. He said that at the time, he was six months sober, sharing that although it was a difficult undertaking, it was necessary. He said that his 12-year relationship with Jolie fell apart due to his history of not processing his emotions.
Changing His Habits
Speaking Out
In an interview with NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday in 2019, Pitt shared: “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.” He was reflecting on playing the role of an emotionally distant astronaut whose marriage was falling apart.
Speaking Out
Things Seemed Okay For Him
Pitt told PeopleTV on the red carpet of the 2020 SAG Awards that he was feeling positive about his current situation in life. He said: “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?
In September 2017, Jolie shared in an interview with 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.”
What About Angelina?
Health Struggles
She continued: “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 also said in Vanity Fair in 2016 that she had some struggles with Bell’ palsy, which led to temporary facial paralysis and hypertension.
Health Struggles
Making Sacrifices
Although Jolie has continued to act, she has shared that she has not been able to continue directing during her divorce. She said in 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
Jolie also opened up about the fact that her and Pitt’s careers caused the children to move around a lot while growing up. She told 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
As of late, Jolie has had a more positive outlook on how life is going. She shared: “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 custody of the children, Brad is trying to find a way for Jolie to be “civil” with him. He has allegedly said that he does not want her to continue “calling the shots,” which means the custody battle could continue to drag on, as both sides are not willing to back down.
Going Forward
Total Spent
Thus far, it has been estimated that Pitt and Jolie have spent hundreds of thousands and even upwards to $1 million on the divorce proceedings each. It all started in 2016, and looks like it will continue to drag on. Some have weighed in that this could go on for years.
Total Spent
Still Working
Despite the backdrop of the ongoing divorce, Jolie has continued working. Though she is not spending a lot of time directing, she is still acting. She has most recently appeared in Those Who Wish Me Dead, as well as her first role in a Marvel film, Eternals.
Still Working
Brad Too
Brad has also remained active in the industry, appearing in action film Bullet Train, and also making an appearance in Damien Chazelle’s movie Babylon.
Brad Too
Their Joint Winery
Years ago, Brad and Angelina bought Château Miraval, a castle and winery located in Correns, France. This was the venue of their 2014 wedding as well. Now that they are divorced, what will happen to the château?
Their Joint Winery
Another Battle
As is the case with the rest of the divorce, the winery has become a point of contention as well. Jolie wants to sell it, while there have been reports that Pitt is trying to prevent her from selling the place.
Another Battle
Taking It To Court
In July 2021, Jolie requested that a judge remove the automatic temporary restraining order (ATRO) on the divorce, as it prevents both parties rom making financial decisions that could cause damage to either of the sides during the divorce proceedings. Since Pitt has not agreed to sell, Jolie cannot proceed despite the fact that there is an alleged prospective buyer.
Taking It To Court
Was It Hers All Along?
Jolie’s legal team has been making the argument that the winery is actually solely hers because it was acquired before the pair got married in 2014. She will once again request that a judge remove the ATRO so she can continue to try to sell the chateau.
Was It Hers All Along?