Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's kids are gradually dropping their father's surname. In turn, they are just keeping 'Jolie' as their last name.
Brad Pitt is reportedly facing one of the most painful consequences that a parent could face. Although it has been a decade since he and Angelina Jolie went their separate ways, several of their children have decided to distance themselves publicly from their father's surname. Meanwhile, a new report has shared the actor's behind-the-scenes reaction to the new development.
According to a new report by US Weekly, Brad Pitt is finding it difficult to watch his children drop his last name. Their decision comes after their family estrangement has been the topic of discussion in the news for years. Although Brad is still hoping for a reconciliation one day, sources claim he understands that the final decision now rests entirely with his children. In the source's words:
"He feels most hurt out of everything that happened with Angie that his children don't want a public association with his last name. It's been very difficult. (Brad) still does hope and keeps the door open to eventual reconciliation, hopefully with all of them, but it is their decision. He has no power, and he can't force them."
The source also claimed that Brad is more hurt that his children do not want to publicly associate with him or his last name. According to the insider, it has been one of the most emotional aspects of his messy separation from Angelina Jolie. However, the source admitted that the actor knows he cannot force his children to reconcile. In turn, his greatest fear is being permanently disconnected from his children.
Although the Oscar-winning actor reportedly wants to make things better, the insider suggested that time has only made matters worse. However, the source stated that Brad has left the door open for reconciliation with all six children whenever they feel ready.
Brad and Angelina's children's critical decision to drop their father's name appears to stem from their complicated family dynamics. Especially, the couple's highly publicized separation in 2016. After their separation, both actors continued to get engaged in legal conflicts for several years. It also included property division, especially of their winery that continues to be a point of legal battle, custody arrangements, and more. Some reports also noted that the exes were involved in an alleged private plane incident in 2016.
Amid the conflict, Brad allegedly choked one kid and struck another who tried to intervene. These happenings were mentioned in court filings and legal documents over time. But later authorities did not bring any criminal charges against the actor and cleared him of all the claims. However, it did create lasting tensions within their family. Some family insiders had also suggested that the children spent much of their teenage years watching their parents engaged in lengthy legal conflicts. Therefore, dropping the Pitt surname has reportedly become an important way for them to create personal boundaries.
Several of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's children have already taken steps to remove or stop using the 'Pitt' surname. Shiloh was the first child to file a legal petition to change her name after she turned 18. Eventually, the court officially approved her request to be known as Shiloh Jolie. Next, Zahara also gained attention when she introduced herself as Zahara Marley Jolie at a public sorority event. In turn, she completely removed the Pitt surname.
Likewise, Vivienne appeared as Vivienne Jolie in the playbill credits for a Broadway Production. In fact, the latest reports suggest that the couple's eldest son, Maddox, has also filed paperwork to legally change his surname. If the request is approved, he will become Maddox Chivan Jolie. Meanwhile, he has already been using Jolie informally and durably in his professional initiatives. For those unaware, the couple shares six children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins, Knox and Vivienne. However, neither Angelina, the kids, nor Brad has made any public statement about it.
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