The long-running family divide between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has returned to the spotlight after two more of the former couple’s children reportedly began the legal process of removing “Pitt” from their names.
According to public notices published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal, Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, have filed notices of their intention to legally change their surnames, following California’s legal requirements for name-change applications.
Their filings come after sister Shiloh legally dropped Pitt from her surname upon turning 18 in 2024, while reports indicate twins Vivienne and Knox are also considering similar steps.
Family Estrangement Continues Nearly a Decade After Divorce
The latest developments underscore the ongoing estrangement between Pitt and several of his children, nearly 10 years after his highly publicized separation from Jolie.
The former Hollywood power couple split in 2016 following an incident aboard a private jet that prompted Jolie to file for divorce days later. Allegations stemming from the flight led to investigations, but Pitt was ultimately not charged.
Since then, the actor has publicly acknowledged addressing personal issues, including attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and embracing sobriety.
Public Name Changes Highlight Lasting Divide
Because California law requires certain legal name-change petitions to be publicly announced, the notices have drawn widespread attention and renewed discussion about the fractured family relationship.
The decisions by multiple siblings to distance themselves from their father’s surname have fueled speculation about the state of family ties, although neither Pitt nor Jolie has publicly commented on the latest filings.
Divorce Battles Can Have Long-Term Consequences
The renewed focus on the Pitt-Jolie family has also reignited broader conversations about the lasting emotional impact of contentious divorces, particularly when children remain caught between parents for years.
Family law experts have long noted that prolonged legal disputes can deepen divisions within families, while high-profile celebrity cases often unfold under intense public scrutiny.
Observers have pointed to the Pitt-Jolie case as one of Hollywood’s most closely followed custody and divorce battles, with developments continuing years after the couple formally ended their marriage.
Pitt’s Public Image and Personal Recovery
Throughout his career, Pitt has cultivated a reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading actors, earning praise from colleagues for his professionalism and approachable personality.
Following the divorce, he has spoken openly about personal growth and recovery, saying he made significant lifestyle changes after the separation.
Despite those efforts, reports have consistently suggested that rebuilding relationships with some of his children has remained a difficult challenge.
Ongoing Interest Surrounds Hollywood’s Former Power Couple
The latest legal filings have once again placed Pitt and Jolie’s family dynamics in the public eye, illustrating how one of Hollywood’s most famous relationships continues to generate attention nearly a decade after its collapse.
While the reasons behind the name changes have not been publicly detailed by the family members involved, the filings represent another chapter in the highly publicized aftermath of one of the entertainment industry‘s most closely watched divorces.
