Five of six children have publicly dropped "Pitt" from their names: Shiloh was the first to legally change her name on her 18th birthday in May 2024. Zahara and Maddox recently published legal notices in the *Los Angeles Daily Journal* to formally remove "Pitt." Vivienne was credited as "Vivienne Jolie" in Broadway's *The Outsiders* in 2024, and Knox graduated from high school listed as "Knox Jolie."
The rift stems from the 2016 divorce: Angelina Jolie filed for divorce after alleging Brad Pitt physically and verbally abused her and their children on a private plane flight. Pitt has consistently denied the allegations. The FBI and child welfare authorities investigated and did not bring charges.
Why this matters: This is not just a celebrity headline — it represents a complete and public family estrangement involving six young adults who have collectively chosen to reject their father's name. The legal process requires publishing notices in a newspaper, making the rejection undeniably public.
The legal battle continues: Beyond the name changes, Pitt and Jolie remain locked in a legal dispute over Château Miraval, the French winery they co-owned. The case is set to go to trial in 2027.
Angelina's eldest child was adopted from Cambodia in 2002, before she met Brad Pitt. Maddox studied biochemistry at South Korea's Yonsei University. On July 13, 2026, he published a legal notice in the *Los Angeles Daily Journal* to change his name from Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt to Maddox Chivan Jolie. His hearing is scheduled for September 14.
Adopted from Vietnam in 2007, Pax is the only child who has not taken formal legal steps to remove "Pitt." However, in 2020, he posted a Father's Day Instagram story calling his father a "world-class a**hole," which later resurfaced. He has reportedly maintained contact with Pitt's side of the family, including his aunt Julie Pitt.
Adopted from Ethiopia in 2005, Zahara graduated from Spelman College in May 2026. She walked across the stage as "Zahara Marley Jolie," confirming her name change. She then filed legal paperwork alongside Maddox in July, with a hearing scheduled for September 28. No objections have been filed so far.
The first biological child of Jolie and Pitt, born in Namibia in 2006. Shiloh was the first sibling to take formal legal action. On her 18th birthday (May 27, 2024), she petitioned to change her name to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie, hiring and paying for her own lawyers. She now dedicates her time to dance and recently appeared in a music video for South Korean artist Dayoung.
Knox, born a minute before his twin sister, recently graduated from Fusion Academy in Los Angeles. His diploma listed him as "Knox Jolie." He competes as a Muay Thai fighter and was recently spotted training in Los Angeles.
The youngest child has followed her mother into the theater world. In 2024, she worked as Angelina's assistant on Broadway's *The Outsiders*, where she was credited as "Vivienne Jolie." Angelina said Vivienne reminds her of her own mother, noting that her daughter is "very thoughtful and serious about theater."
The fractures in this family trace back to a September 2016 private plane flight. According to court documents filed by Jolie, Pitt allegedly choked one of the children, struck another in the face, grabbed Jolie by the head, shook her, and poured beer and red wine on her and the children. Pitt has denied all allegations. The FBI investigated and declined to file charges.
Angelina Jolie filed for divorce days after the alleged incident. The divorce was finally finalized in December 2024 — eight years later.
A source close to Pitt told Fox News Digital: "This is what happens after years of one parent turning the kids against the other. It's a painful outcome, but not a shocking one."
Angelina Jolie: Has publicly said her "fighting spirit is back" thanks to her children's encouragement. She told *Variety* her kids now want her to travel and live her life freely.
Brad Pitt: Described by sources as "heartbroken" and "devastated." He dedicated his 2022 Oscar win to his children, saying, "This is for my kids, who color everything I do. I adore you." His career remains strong, and he is in a relationship with Swiss jewelry designer Ines de Ramon.
The children: Six young adults navigating their identities, careers, and relationships in the shadow of one of Hollywood's most public family breakdowns.
Why are Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's children dropping his last name?
The children have publicly distanced themselves from Brad Pitt following allegations of physical and verbal abuse during a 2016 private plane flight, which Pitt denies. The divorce and custody battles have created a fractured relationship that has worsened over the years.
How many of the six children have dropped the Pitt name?
Five of the six children have either legally changed their name or publicly stopped using "Pitt." Only Pax has not taken formal legal action, though he has publicly criticized his father in the past.
When did Shiloh change her name?
Shiloh was the first to take legal action. She filed paperwork on her 18th birthday, May 27, 2024, to change her name from Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie.
Is the legal battle between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt over?
No. While their divorce was finalized in December 2024, they remain locked in a legal dispute over Château Miraval, a French winery. Pitt filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit after Jolie sold her shares to a Russian-linked company. The case is expected to go to trial in 2027.
Has Brad Pitt commented on the name changes?
Pitt has not publicly commented. Sources close to him say he is "heartbroken" and "devastated." He has hired a crisis PR team to manage the fallout.
The family rift is complete: With the twins now 18, all of Brad and Angelina's children are adults and have made their own choices about their relationships with their father.
This is a legal and emotional closure: The name changes are the most definitive signal that these young adults are closing a painful chapter and forging their own identities separate from their father.
Brad Pitt's public image vs. private reality: While Pitt continues to enjoy a flourishing career with Oscar wins and high-profile relationships, the estrangement from his children presents a stark contrast to his public persona.
For Angelina Jolie, a new chapter: She has stated she wants to travel, live freely, and perhaps leave Hollywood behind. Her children have encouraged her to start living again.
This story raises difficult questions about family, loyalty, and public versus private identity. Do you think these kinds of public estrangements are more common among celebrity families, or are they simply amplified by media attention? What would you do if you were in their position?
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