Father’s Day is usually a time for families to come together, but this year may be especially difficult for Brad Pitt. Reports suggest the actor will spend the day away from his children as his relationship with them remains strained.
The situation has become even more emotional as several of his children have either removed or are in the process of removing “Pitt” from their surnames.
The Family Rift Began After Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie’s Split
Brad Pitt shares six children with Angelina Jolie. But their family dynamic has changed significantly since the former couple separated in 2016. Over the years, reports have pointed to a growing distance between the actor and his children. And recent developments have brought that divide back into the spotlight.
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According to sources who spoke to the Daily Mail, Father’s Day continues to be a painful occasion for Pitt. It’s because he is not spending it with his children. One source said, “Father’s Day is very tough for him because he spends it alone.”
The changes began to gain public attention when Shiloh legally dropped “Pitt” from her surname in 2024. Reports claimed the decision deeply upset the actor. Despite claims that Pitt has made efforts to repair his relationships with his children, the family divide appears to remain unresolved.
Pitt’s Children Are Distancing Themselves
The situation became even more noticeable this month when Pitt’s eldest son, Maddox, reportedly took legal steps to remove “Pitt” from his surname. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 14 to explain his request before a judge.
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Before that hearing takes place, Maddox will reportedly be credited as “Maddox Jolie” in Angelina Jolie’s upcoming film ‘Couture‘, which is set to arrive this summer. The credit marks another public sign that he is moving away from the Jolie-Pitt family name.
Just days after Maddox’s reported move, Zahara also filed paperwork to officially change her name to “Zahara Marley Jolie.” Her decision came less than a month after her graduation from Spelman College in Atlanta on May 17. Angelina Jolie attended the ceremony along with several of Zahara’s siblings, but Brad Pitt was not present.
Reports also noted that while Zahara’s name appeared in the commencement program as “Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt,” the “Pitt” portion was allegedly left out. It came to notice when her name was announced during the ceremony.
Another milestone this year involved 17-year-old Knox, who recently graduated from high school. Reports claim that his diploma also did not include Brad Pitt’s surname. It is believed that Knox and his twin sister Vivienne may legally seek name changes after they turn 18.
Despite these developments, insiders say Pitt has not given up hope of reconnecting with his children. One source explained, “He will never give up hoping for a miracle. His door is always open. He hopes the children find their way back to him.”
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