Angelina Jolie has provided insight into the emotional turmoil surrounding her split from Brad Pitt, describing the “painful events” that led to their ongoing legal battles. The actress, now 50, filed for divorce in 2016 following a reported incident on a private jet, where Jolie alleged that Pitt was verbally and physically abusive while intoxicated, a claim he has consistently denied. The former couple shares six children: Maddox (24), Pax (21), Zahara (20), Shiloh (19), and twins Knox and Vivienne (17).
In a recent court declaration, Jolie detailed her struggles and decisions in the aftermath of their separation. She filed these documents as part of her ongoing legal dispute with Pitt over their French wine estate, Château Miraval. Jolie stated, “The events leading to my need to separate from my ex-husband were emotionally difficult for me and our children.” She explained that upon filing for divorce, she allowed Pitt to retain control of their family homes in Los Angeles and Miraval without compensation, hoping this would ease tensions between them.
Impacts on Family and Living Arrangements
Jolie emphasized the profound impact their separation has had on her and the children, stating that they have not set foot on the property since the divorce. She noted, “To this day, the children and I have never again set foot on the property, given its connection to the painful events leading to the divorce.” In her pursuit of stability for her family, Jolie began searching for a new home immediately after their separation. She initially rented a residence while seeking a more permanent solution.
Her decision to buy a property near Pitt’s home was driven by a desire to keep him involved in their children’s lives. “At the time, my savings were tied up in Miraval, and I had not asked Brad for alimony or any other financial support,” she wrote. This statement sheds light on Jolie’s attempts to maintain a cooperative co-parenting relationship amid the ongoing conflict.
Ongoing Legal Disputes Over Financial Matters
The legal entanglements between the former spouses continue, particularly concerning the sale of Jolie’s stake in Château Miraval. Reports indicate that Pitt is seeking access to Jolie’s private communications related to her decision to sell her $64 million stake to Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shefler in 2021. He argues that this sale violated their prior agreement that neither party could sell their shares without the other’s consent.
Pitt’s legal team has also requested testimony from Alexey Oliynik, an executive at the Stoli Group, who they claim has direct knowledge of the negotiations. However, Oliynik, as a Swiss resident, has stated he cannot be compelled to testify. As of now, a judge has yet to make a ruling regarding this matter.
Throughout this tumultuous period, Jolie has expressed a desire for resolution, urging Pitt to “end the fighting” and withdraw the lawsuit to allow their family to heal. Despite her plea, sources close to Pitt suggest that he sees no reason to do so, asserting that Jolie made her request only after realizing her case had weakened.
The fallout from their separation has reportedly affected Pitt’s relationship with his children, with some of them choosing to distance themselves from him and even dropping his last name. The ongoing legal disputes and emotional challenges continue to unfold as both Jolie and Pitt navigate their new lives and responsibilities.
