Brad Pitt’s Pal Claims Angelina Jolie Is Trying to ‘Separate Family’ — After Estranged Son Maddox Drops Famous Dad’s Last Name
Angelina Jolie Accused of Trying to ‘Separate Family’ Amid Maddox’s Name Change
Brad Pitt’s inner circle is speaking out after their eldest son, Maddox, publicly dropped the “Pitt” surname, opting to be credited solely as “Jolie” in his mother Angelina Jolie’s latest film. This move marks the latest in a series of name changes by the couple’s children, sparking speculation about the fractured state of the family.
A close friend of the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” star, 62, told TMZ that Angelina Jolie, 50, may be influencing the children to distance themselves from their father. “It’s sad – this is a textbook example of what a successful campaign to separate a family looks like,” the source said, highlighting the deepening rift between Brad Pitt and his kids.
Maddox, 24, who had been credited as “Jolie-Pitt” in Angelina’s earlier 2024 film *Maria*, has now removed the Pitt surname from his professional credits, signaling a definitive break. This development follows years of estrangement that began after Angelina filed for divorce in 2016, citing allegations of verbal and physical abuse against Brad—claims he has denied and were never legally pursued.
The Background of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Family Struggles
The separation between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has been fraught with tension since their split. After the divorce filing, Jolie was granted primary physical custody of their six children, which included both biological and adopted kids. Over time, the children grew closer to their mother, often spending extended periods living with her and having limited, supervised visits with their father.
This custody arrangement and the prolonged separation have contributed to a growing emotional distance between Brad Pitt and his children. Friends close to the actor believe that Angelina’s influence has played a significant role in shaping the children’s perceptions of their father, leading to the recent public distancing acts such as dropping the “Pitt” surname.
How Brad Pitt’s Children Are Publicly Distancing Themselves
The trend of removing “Pitt” from their names started with Brad and Angelina’s adopted daughter Zahara, 21, who went by “Zahara Marley Jolie” during her sorority induction at Spelman College in November 2023. Following her lead, their biological daughter Shiloh, 19, legally petitioned to drop “Pitt” from her surname on her 18th birthday in May 2024, a change that was officially granted in August 2024.
Even the couple’s twin daughter, Vivienne, 17, has publicly removed “Pitt” from her name, being credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Broadway play *The Outsiders*, which she worked on alongside her mother. Meanwhile, her twin brother Knox and adopted son Pax have not publicly disclosed their current surname status but remain distant from Brad.
Knox, who bears a strong resemblance to Brad Pitt, has been notably close to Angelina. He accompanied her to the 2024 Oscars Governor’s Ball and has received strong support from his mother in his martial arts pursuits, including recent victories in Muay Thai competitions.
Pax’s Public Criticism of Brad Pitt Reveals Family Strain
Perhaps the most revealing insight into the fractured family dynamics came from Pax, who in a private Instagram post leaked in late 2023, harshly criticized Brad Pitt on Father’s Day 2020. At just 16 years old, Pax called his father a “world-class a—–” and accused him of making life miserable for those closest to him.
The post expressed deep resentment and pain, with Pax stating, “You have made the lives of those closest to me a constant hell. You may tell yourself and the world whatever you want, but the truth will come to light someday.” This candid message underscores the emotional turmoil within the family and the challenges Brad Pitt faces in reconnecting with his children.
What This Means for Brad Pitt and His Family’s Future
The ongoing public distancing by Brad Pitt’s children and the accusations from his inner circle that Angelina Jolie is driving a wedge between them paint a complicated picture of a family in crisis. While the reasons behind the children’s decisions to drop “Pitt” from their names are personal and multifaceted, the pattern suggests a growing divide.
Brad Pitt’s friends continue to defend him, emphasizing his love for his children and his desire to maintain strong family bonds despite the challenges. However, with the children increasingly identifying with their mother’s surname and lifestyle, rebuilding those connections may require time, patience, and healing.
Can the Family Heal After Years of Estrangement?
Family experts suggest that reconciliation in high-profile divorces like Brad and Angelina’s often hinges on open communication and willingness from all parties to address past grievances. The public nature of the name changes and social media posts complicates matters but also opens the door for honest conversations.
For Brad Pitt, the focus remains on being present and supportive, hoping that his children will eventually feel comfortable reconnecting. Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie’s role in the family dynamic continues to be scrutinized by the media and fans alike, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution.
Conclusion
The recent decision by Maddox to drop Brad Pitt’s last name has reignited discussions about the fractured relationships within this famous family. With Angelina Jolie accused by a close friend of Brad Pitt of trying to “separate family,” the situation remains tense and complex. As Brad’s children continue to publicly distance themselves, the question remains whether healing and reconciliation are possible.
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