The long-running family tensions between Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have resurfaced in the public spotlight after their eldest son, Maddox Jolie, reportedly dropped “Pitt” from his surname in the credits of a recent film project. The move has triggered criticism from someone close to Pitt, who blamed Jolie for what they describe as a widening rift within the family.
Maddox, 24, recently worked as an assistant director on the film Couture, which stars his mother Angelina Jolie. In the movie’s credits, he was listed simply as “Maddox Jolie,” rather than “Maddox Jolie-Pitt,” the name he used previously in the credits of Jolie’s 2024 film Maria, where he served as a production assistant.
The change drew attention because it appears to mirror a broader pattern among the former couple’s children. Several of Pitt and Jolie’s six children have recently used only their mother’s surname in public or professional settings. For example, their daughter Shiloh Jolie legally removed “Pitt” from her name after turning 18 in 2024.
Other siblings, including Zahara Jolie and Vivienne Jolie, have also been credited or introduced publicly using the “Jolie” surname alone in certain contexts.
According to TMZ, a close friend of Pitt reacted strongly to the development. The source claimed the situation reflects a deliberate effort to drive a wedge between the actor and his children.
The friend blamed Angelina Jolie as “a textbook example of what a successful campaign to separate a family looks like.”
The remarks suggest frustration within Pitt’s inner circle, although neither Pitt nor Jolie has publicly commented directly on the criticism.
The latest controversy comes nearly a decade after Pitt and Jolie’s highly publicized breakup. The couple, once dubbed “Brangelina”, separated in 2016 after an incident aboard a private jet that reportedly involved a confrontation between Pitt and Maddox.
The episode was investigated by authorities at the time but did not result in criminal charges.
Their divorce proceedings lasted for years before being finalized in 2024, and the relationship between Pitt and some of his children has reportedly remained strained.
It remains unclear whether Maddox has legally changed his surname or simply adopted “Jolie” for professional credits. Some reports suggest the decision may reflect his personal preference rather than a formal legal change.
Maddox, 24, recently worked as an assistant director on the film Couture, which stars his mother Angelina Jolie. In the movie’s credits, he was listed simply as “Maddox Jolie,” rather than “Maddox Jolie-Pitt,” the name he used previously in the credits of Jolie’s 2024 film Maria, where he served as a production assistant.
The change drew attention because it appears to mirror a broader pattern among the former couple’s children. Several of Pitt and Jolie’s six children have recently used only their mother’s surname in public or professional settings. For example, their daughter Shiloh Jolie legally removed “Pitt” from her name after turning 18 in 2024.
Other siblings, including Zahara Jolie and Vivienne Jolie, have also been credited or introduced publicly using the “Jolie” surname alone in certain contexts.
Brad Pitt’s friend blames Jolie
According to TMZ, a close friend of Pitt reacted strongly to the development. The source claimed the situation reflects a deliberate effort to drive a wedge between the actor and his children.
The friend blamed Angelina Jolie as “a textbook example of what a successful campaign to separate a family looks like.”
The remarks suggest frustration within Pitt’s inner circle, although neither Pitt nor Jolie has publicly commented directly on the criticism.
The latest controversy comes nearly a decade after Pitt and Jolie’s highly publicized breakup. The couple, once dubbed “Brangelina”, separated in 2016 after an incident aboard a private jet that reportedly involved a confrontation between Pitt and Maddox.
The episode was investigated by authorities at the time but did not result in criminal charges.
Their divorce proceedings lasted for years before being finalized in 2024, and the relationship between Pitt and some of his children has reportedly remained strained.
It remains unclear whether Maddox has legally changed his surname or simply adopted “Jolie” for professional credits. Some reports suggest the decision may reflect his personal preference rather than a formal legal change.
