Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s tumultuous divorce has finally reached a resolution, with a settlement finalized on December 30, 2024. However, their legal battles continue as disputes over custody and the co-owned Château Miraval winery remain unresolved. The protracted battle has had a profound impact on their children, who have often stood by their mother, urging her to defend herself throughout the ordeal.
Jolie’s Kids Rally Behind Her
The couple’s six children—Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Vivienne and Knox (16)—have supported their mother during the eight-year-long saga. Sources close to Jolie revealed that her children, particularly Maddox and Pax, played significant roles behind the scenes. They not only worked alongside her on her film, Maria, but also became her emotional anchors during some of the darkest times.
Jolie acknowledged that her children encouraged her to speak up about her experiences, but she urged them to focus on broader issues, like advocating for legal reforms. “They’ve grown up understanding that some voices don’t count, and some pain doesn’t matter when power and privilege are involved,” she remarked in a statement shared with People.
The Infamous Private Plane Incident
The origins of their acrimonious divorce date back to a private plane flight in 2016. Allegations surfaced claiming Brad Pitt had engaged in abusive behavior while intoxicated. Although no charges were filed, the incident deeply fractured their family dynamic and fueled Jolie’s decision to file for divorce.
In 2017, the pair agreed to keep their legal proceedings confidential to protect their children, but custody disputes have spilled into the public domain. Despite the finalized divorce, the custody arrangements remain contentious, with both parents striving to balance privacy and advocacy for their children.
Château Miraval: A Contentious Asset
Beyond custody battles, the French winery Château Miraval remains a hotbed of conflict. Jolie sold her 50% stake in the estate to Tenute del Mondo, a division of Stoli Group, for $67 million in 2021. This move sparked fury from Pitt, who accused Jolie of breaching their agreement to maintain the winery within the family.
Pitt filed a lawsuit in 2022, claiming Jolie’s sale was a vindictive attempt to punish him, while Jolie countered with accusations that Pitt had been waging a “vindictive war” against her. Each party has insisted on their version of events, with no resolution in sight.
A Hope for Closure
Though their marriage lasted only two years, Jolie and Pitt’s divorce endured for eight, leaving an indelible mark on their family and fans. While the finalized divorce offers some semblance of closure, their legal disputes serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities of love, power, and wealth.
As both parties move into 2025, they face the challenge of balancing their personal ambitions and public personas while finding common ground for their children. Whether these battles will subside or escalate further remains to be seen.
