Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Finalize Divorce After Eight-Year Battle
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once considered Hollywood’s ultimate power couple, have officially settled their divorce after nearly a decade of legal battles. On December 30, 2024, the two stars signed a long-awaited agreement, marking the end of an emotionally and legally complex chapter.
Details of the Settlement
According to a source, Jolie’s lawyer, James Simon, confirmed the resolution, stating: “Angelina and the children are relinquishing all shared assets with Brad Pitt. They aim to achieve peace and healing for their family. This settlement concludes a process that has spanned eight years. While Angelina is exhausted, she is relieved that this ordeal is finally over.”
A source close to Jolie added: “She has remained dignified throughout, refraining from speaking negatively about her ex-husband in public or private. Her focus has been on moving forward after a challenging period.”
Brad Pitt’s representatives, on the other hand, have declined to comment or confirm details of the settlement.
A Love Story Turned Sour
Jolie and Pitt first met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), a movie that would spark their romance while Pitt was still married to actress Jennifer Aniston. The pair publicly acknowledged their relationship shortly after Pitt’s divorce from Aniston, cementing their status as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples. They married in 2014, raising six children together—three adopted and three biological.
However, the marriage unraveled in 2016 when Jolie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing followed an alleged incident aboard a private flight, during which Jolie accused Pitt of abusing her and their children. While the FBI investigated and cleared Pitt of wrongdoing, Jolie expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation’s outcome and filed a lawsuit against the FBI in 2022. Reports indicate she later withdrew the case.
Prolonged Legal Disputes
The couple’s divorce proceedings became one of the most contentious in recent Hollywood history, involving multiple high-stakes issues:
1. Custody Battles
The custody of their six children was among the most bitterly contested matters. Ultimately, Pitt lost custody, with five of the six children siding with Jolie and removing their father’s surname. The youngest, Knox Jolie-Pitt, 16, has yet to declare his stance.
2. Château Miraval Dispute
A central point of contention was the ownership of the Château Miraval estate in France, the site of their 2014 wedding. In 2022, Pitt sued Jolie, accusing her of secretly selling her stake in the estate to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler for $67 million, violating their business agreement.
3. NDA Controversy
The couple also sparred over a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Pitt alleged that Jolie used the NDA to conceal details about misconduct during and after their marriage. The legal battle saw mixed outcomes for both parties.
Recent Legal Developments
In November 2024, Pitt scored a legal victory when a judge dismissed Jolie’s objections in the estate lawsuit, allowing his breach-of-contract claim to proceed. Meanwhile, Jolie secured a win in the domestic violence case, with the court ordering Pitt to disclose documents requested by her legal team.
Earlier this year, Jolie reportedly encouraged Pitt to withdraw his legal claims, signaling a desire for resolution. This move may have paved the way for the recent settlement.
Focus on the Future
The resolution of the divorce marks a significant turning point for both Jolie and Pitt. For Jolie, relinquishing shared assets reflects a decision to prioritize her family’s peace over prolonged conflict.
“She is ready to close this chapter and focus on healing,” a source close to the actress shared.
Pitt, who has largely kept his personal life private during the proceedings, is also expected to move forward with a renewed focus on his career and personal projects.
Legacy of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Once hailed as the epitome of Hollywood glamour, Jolie and Pitt’s relationship captured the public’s imagination for over a decade. From their charitable work and shared family life to their professional collaborations, their union represented both passion and partnership.
However, the turbulence of their divorce also serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of high-profile relationships. Despite the acrimony, both stars have made efforts to shield their children from the worst aspects of the dispute, focusing instead on providing them with stability.
What’s Next?
As Jolie and Pitt put their legal battles behind them, the future looks poised for reinvention. Jolie continues to focus on her work in film and her children’s well-being, while Pitt is reportedly diving into new acting and producing projects.
For fans and observers, the settlement closes a chapter of Hollywood history, leaving room for new stories—both personal and professional—for the two stars.
