Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s highly publicized relationship has continued to draw attention even years after their split, particularly around the infamous 2016 plane incident that deeply fractured their family. The once-adored Hollywood couple, whose relationship seemed nearly untouchable, fell apart in the most public way possible, and as time passes, new revelations continue to come to light about the impact of that day on their family and the long-standing legal battle that has ensued ever since.
Back in 2016, during a private flight from France to Los Angeles, it was reported that a severe altercation broke out between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, with their children caught in the middle of the chaos. Angelina accused Pitt of being verbally and physically abusive toward both her and their children, which escalated the already growing tensions in their relationship. The details of what happened aboard that flight have been debated for years, but this incident ultimately became the breaking point that led Jolie to file for divorce just days later, marking the end of their 12-year partnership and two-year marriage.
Although no charges were officially brought against Pitt after an investigation by child protective services and the FBI, the allegations still sent shockwaves through the public. As a result of the intense scrutiny, Pitt sought sobriety and addressed his personal struggles, acknowledging that his drinking had contributed to many of the problems between him and his family. His journey toward self-improvement, however, did not end the legal battles that followed, particularly concerning the custody of their children.
The couple shares six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and the twins, Knox and Vivienne. The plane incident deeply affected the dynamic between Pitt and his children, particularly with Maddox and Pax, who reportedly became estranged from their father in the aftermath. Maddox, who is now 23, played a key role during the custody hearings, even testifying against Pitt at one point. This testimony further fractured the already tense relationship between them, with reports indicating that Maddox no longer uses the surname “Pitt” and has had very limited contact with his father since the incident.
Pax, who is now 20, is said to have a similarly distant relationship with Brad Pitt, with reports suggesting that he, too, has distanced himself from his father. The older Jolie-Pitt children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh—have been less involved with Pitt in recent years, while custody battles now primarily concern the youngest members of the family: the 16-year-old twins, Knox and Vivienne. These ongoing legal disputes have only added more strain to the family’s situation, with both sides seemingly stuck in an endless back-and-forth of court appearances and legal filings. The legal saga continues, as custody arrangements and financial settlements have yet to be fully resolved, even years after their initial split.
Angelina Jolie, who has been an outspoken advocate for her children’s well-being throughout this legal battle, has focused much of her energy on raising her children while pursuing her humanitarian work and directing projects. She has kept a relatively low profile when it comes to her personal life but continues to take on new film roles and philanthropic efforts, all while navigating the complexities of co-parenting with Pitt.
On the other hand, Brad Pitt has since moved on in his personal life. He has been linked to several women since the divorce, and in recent times, he has reportedly been in a relationship with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon. Despite his attempts to move forward and focus on his career, his past with Jolie continues to resurface in the media due to the ongoing legal disputes and public interest in their family’s private matters. Even as Pitt works on new film projects and enjoys his success as an actor and producer, the public’s fascination with the Jolie-Pitt family saga persists.
Public opinion remains divided regarding their situation, with some fans expressing their sympathy toward Angelina Jolie, particularly as she navigates raising their children amidst the ongoing turmoil. Others have expressed support for Brad Pitt, noting his efforts toward sobriety and the challenges of being in the spotlight during such a difficult personal period. The media attention surrounding their legal battles has also sparked conversations about parental rights, celebrity divorces, and the lasting emotional toll such conflicts can have on families, particularly children caught in the middle.
In the midst of it all, the public has witnessed the Jolie-Pitt children growing up. Zahara, now 19, is currently studying at Spelman College and has embraced her role within the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Shiloh, at 17, has become something of a media favorite due to her striking resemblance to both parents, and her impressive dance videos that have gone viral in recent years have garnered her even more attention. Knox and Vivienne, though still minors, have also been in the public eye to some degree, though Angelina Jolie has made efforts to protect their privacy as much as possible.
As new details of the 2016 plane incident continue to emerge through legal filings and interviews, the ongoing saga between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt shows no sign of coming to a conclusion anytime soon. The repercussions of that fateful day aboard their private plane continue to echo throughout their family, influencing not only their legal disputes but also the dynamics between Pitt and his children.
For now, both sides remain locked in their respective battles, with their children’s well-being at the forefront of the public’s concerns. The world watches as this once-idyllic family continues to navigate the complexities of life post-divorce, proving that even Hollywood’s brightest stars aren’t immune to the painful realities of separation and custody struggles.