Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement, concluding one of the longest and most contentious separations in entertainment history, Jolie’s lawyer confirmed on Monday.
The agreement, yet to be finalized by a judge, comes more than eight years after Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences following an incident during a private jet flight. Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, told the Associated Press that the process has been grueling.
“Angelina is exhausted but relieved that this part is over,” Simon said. “Her focus remains on healing and finding peace for her family.”
Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, were one of Hollywood’s most celebrated couples during their 12-year relationship, which included two years of marriage. The pair, both Academy Award winners, share six children, four of whom are now adults. Only their 16-year-old twins, Knox and Vivienne, remain minors, requiring a custody agreement.
Their divorce proceedings began after Jolie accused Pitt of abusive behavior during the 2016 flight. Investigations by the FBI and Los Angeles County authorities found insufficient grounds for legal action against Pitt.
Although a judge declared them legally single in 2019, the division of their assets and child custody issues prolonged the legal battle. The couple initially hired a private judge, who granted them equal custody, but Jolie successfully petitioned for his removal due to a conflict of interest, forcing the process to restart.
The divorce was further complicated by disputes over shared assets, including their French winery, Château Miraval. Pitt alleged Jolie violated an agreement to sell her share to him, instead selling it to the Stoli Group. Jolie’s lawyers countered, claiming the deal collapsed due to Pitt’s demand for a non-disclosure agreement to suppress allegations of abuse.
While both stars have maintained public silence about the divorce, court documents revealed some of the tensions underlying their disputes. Pitt admitted to struggling with alcoholism at the time of their separation and has since sought therapy and sobriety. Jolie has pursued court acknowledgment of the alleged abuse, both in the divorce and winery lawsuits.
Jolie and Pitt’s relationship began in 2004 while co-starring in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The daughter of actor Jon Voight, Jolie rose to fame with films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and won an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted. Pitt, known for roles in Fight Club and Inglourious Basterds, won his first Academy Award in 2019 for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
In recent years, Jolie has kept a lower profile, focusing on raising her children and directing films. However, her performance as Maria Callas in the upcoming Maria has brought her back into the awards spotlight. Pitt continues to thrive as an actor and producer, solidifying his status in Hollywood.
The divorce settlement marks the end of a high-profile saga that captivated fans and media alike, offering both stars a chance to move forward after years of legal and emotional turmoil.