Overview
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s September 2016 divorce ended Hollywood’s most famous power couple after 12 years together, 2 years married, sparking years of custody battles and tabloid drama.
Relationship Timeline
- 2004: Met on Mr. & Mrs. Smith set (Brad married to Jennifer Aniston)
- 2005: Brad/Jen divorce, Brangelina confirmed
- 2006-2015: Adopted 3 kids, had 3 biological (6 total)
- 2014: Finally married at French estate Château Miraval
- 2016: Angelina filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences”
Trigger: Private Plane Incident
FBI/Child Services investigated September 2016 flight after alleged altercation between Brad and son Maddox (15). Cleared of wrongdoing, but Angelina cited it in filing.
Custody Battle (2016-present)
Years of legal fights over 6 kids. Brad sought 50/50, Angelina wanted sole custody. Judge granted joint 2021, Angelina appealed. Ongoing as of 2023.
Château Miraval Lawsuit
$500M French winery Brad/Angelina co-owned. She sold her share to Russian oligarch without Brad’s consent (2021), he sued. Bitter business dispute added to personal acrimony.
Public Perception Split
Team Brad: Angelina weaponizing kids, vindictive
Team Angelina: Brad has issues (admitted marijuana/alcohol abuse), protecting children
Impact
Ended Hollywood power couple era. Their combined humanitarian/acting work had defined 2000s-2010s celebrity activism.
Divorce finalized 2019 legally, but custody/financial disputes continue — one of longest high-profile splits in entertainment history.