After eight years of contentious legal proceedings, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have finalized their divorce. A statement released by Jolie's lawyer confirmed the settlement, marking a significant step in the high-profile separation that began in 2016. The agreement concludes one chapter in a long and complex process that followed their split.
Jolie's legal team emphasized her focus on "finding peace and healing for their family" since initially filing for divorce. The statement highlighted the emotional toll of the extended legal battle, noting that while Jolie is exhausted, she is relieved that this particular aspect of the divorce has concluded. Pitt's representatives have declined to comment on the matter.
The couple, known as "Brangelina," rose to global fame after meeting on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." They married in 2014, adding to their already intense media scrutiny. Prior to the final settlement, a "bifurcated judgment" in 2019 legally separated them while still under marital status.
The divorce proceedings were initiated in September 2016, with Jolie citing "irreconcilable differences." The couple's six children, who range in age from 16 to 23, were also central to the protracted legal struggle. The pair have navigated a very public and at times acrimonious split, with allegations and counter-allegations often surfacing through court filings.
In 2018, Jolie accused Pitt of neglecting child support payments, prompting a response from Pitt alleging manipulation of media coverage. He cited financial support already provided to Jolie as proof that child support obligations had been met. These claims added further complexity to the legal wrangling between the two.
Further complicating matters, Jolie accused Pitt in 2022 of physically and verbally abusing her and their children during a 2016 transatlantic flight. This incident, according to court documents filed by Jolie, is what prompted the start of the divorce process. Pitt's legal team responded that he would take responsibility for his actions but denied the specifics of the allegations.
While investigations into the alleged incident were conducted by both the FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, no criminal charges were ever filed against Pitt. The recent divorce settlement brings a conclusion to the legal battles that have gripped the public for nearly a decade.
