Divorces are rarely easy. Sure, on the odd occasion both parties can come to an understanding and go their separate ways without any sort of animosity, but for the most part, feelings of resentment and bitterness are a staple of such breakups.
I’ve been fortunate enough to never have experienced a divorce (touch wood), so I can only imagine the whirlwind of emotions present when two people who have sworn to live their lives together end up heading in different directions.
Now throw the eyes of the world and the attention of the mainstream media into the mix, and you’ve got a concoction that would try the patience and stress levels of any individual.
Of course, that’s what most celebrities are forced to endure these days, particularly when they’re in a relationship where both parties are more or less on the same level as regards the spectrum of fame.
And there are few couples in entertainment history who symbolize this quite like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Dubbed “Brangelina” by the press, the two Hollywood A-listers were arguably at the height of their respective fames when their stories intertwined on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Love blossomed – the circumstances of their coming together make for a fascinating story in themselves – and the pair reigned as king and queen of the movie business for years before the very public breakdown of their relationship.
Despite sharing six children together, the much-publicized romance between Pitt and Jolie came to its end in 2016, after the latter took fans by surprise when she filed for divorce – said divorce was then finalized in 2018.
The exact reason as to what made their marriage suddenly untenable has never been officially confirmed by both parties, though over the ensuing years much and more has been speculated and said.
In 2016 there was even an investigation as to whether or not Pitt had been abusive towards his 15-year-old son Maddox on a private jet, though the case was ultimately closed with no findings of wrongdoing.
Even today Pitt and Jolie remain at odds, with ongoing legal battles marring what was once a loving relationship between two of the world’s biggest stars.
Since it was Jolie who filed for divorce, it’s generally assumed that it was Pitt – and his behavior/actions – who was responsible for whatever troubles the couple experienced.
For Jolie’s part, she spoke with Vogue India back in 2020, explaining that she had to split for her family’s sake.
“I separated for the well-being of my family,” she said at the time.
“It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds. In fact, they are six very brave, very strong young people.”
As for Pitt, the latest rumors insist that he is ready to marry again at the age of 60, having found love with Ines de Ramon.
In November, a source is said to have spoken to PEOPLE and described De Ramon, ex-wife of actor Paul Wesley, as “Brad’s first proper relationship since the divorce” from Angelina Jolie.
