Angelina Jolie reveals ‘painful’ details of messy divorce from Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie has given a rare update on her former marriage to Brad Pitt, describing the “painful events” that ended their eight-year divorce saga.

The 50-year-old actress first filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016, shortly after an alleged incident aboard a private jet, where she claimed he was verbally and physically abusive toward her and their children while intoxicated, allegations he has denied.

The former couple share six children: Maddox, 24; Pax, 21; Zahara, 20; Shiloh, 19; and 17-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Jolie has now opened up further in a new court declaration, filing fresh documents this week as part of her ongoing legal dispute with Pitt over their French wine estate, Château Miraval.

Jolie wrote: “The events leading to my need to separate from my ex-husband were emotionally difficult for me and our children. Upon filing for divorce, I left him control (and full residency) of our family homes in Los Angeles and at Miraval, without compensation, which I hoped would make him calmer in his dealings with me after a difficult and traumatic period,” according to documents obtained by the Daily Mail.

She added: “To this day, the children and I have never again set foot on the property, given its connection to the painful events leading to the divorce.”

Jolie said she searched for a new home straight after separation. “I immediately began to look for a new house for me and our children, initially renting a home while looking for a more stable solution,” she wrote.

“Because I wanted to ensure that Brad remained an important part of our children’s lives, I looked to buy a property near his home. At the time, my savings were tied up in Miraval, and I had not asked Brad for alimony or any other financial support.”

It follows reports Pitt is seeking access to Jolie’s private communications related to the sale of her $64 million stake in Château Miraval.

The actor, who filed papers in California, argues she sold her shares in 2021 to Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shefler without his approval, violating their prior agreement that neither would sell without the other’s consent.

According to documents, Pitt’s legal team is also calling for testimony from Stoli Group executive Alexey Oliynik, whom they say has direct knowledge of the negotiations. Mr Oliynik argues he cannot be compelled to testify as a Swiss resident. A judge has not yet ruled.

Jolie has previously urged Pitt to “end the fighting” and drop the lawsuit to allow the family to heal. But sources close to Pitt told the Daily Mail the actor has “no intention” of doing so, arguing she only made the plea after realising her case had weakened.

The couple’s fallout has deeply affected Pitt’s relationship with his children, with several reportedly dropping his last name.