Why Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Divorce Has Dragged on for Nearly a Decade

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Hollywood’s golden couple, have been embroiled in a divorce battle that has dragged on for nearly a decade. Despite being legally single since 2019, the emotional and legal complexities of their separation continue to dominate headlines. Here’s a closer look at why this high-profile divorce has been so prolonged and contentious.

The Beginning of the End

The Jolie-Pitt saga began in September 2016 when Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. Their split marked the end of a 12-year relationship and a two-year marriage, during which they became parents to six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox. Sources close to the couple have revealed that their relationship had been deteriorating for some time, with escalating disagreements and tensions.

Bitter Disputes and Emotional Toll

A significant factor in the prolonged nature of the divorce is the bitterness that has characterized their interactions. According to insiders, both Jolie and Pitt have struggled to move past their grievances. “All the bitterness is partly why the divorce has dragged on for so many years. Neither will let it go,” says a source. This deep-seated resentment has manifested in various legal battles, complicating the path to a final settlement.

Custody Battles

One of the most contentious aspects of their divorce has been the custody arrangement for their children. Jolie initially sought full custody, while Pitt pushed for joint custody. The custody battle has been fraught with allegations and legal maneuvering. Pitt, at one point, faced an investigation into child abuse allegations, which he was later cleared of. The protracted legal wrangling over custody has undoubtedly contributed to the length of the divorce process.

Legal and Financial Entanglements

Beyond custody, Jolie and Pitt’s divorce has been complicated by their extensive shared assets, particularly their French winery, Château Miraval. Pitt sued Jolie for selling her shares in the winery without his consent, alleging that she violated an agreement. Jolie countered that she did not want to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that Pitt proposed, which she believed would silence her about his past behavior. This legal battle over the winery has been described as an attempt by Pitt to "punish her for leaving," according to Jolie’s camp.

The Emotional Toll

The prolonged divorce has taken an emotional toll not only on Jolie and Pitt but also on their children. “It’s really sad for the children, but also the parents. Divorce, especially one so high-profile, can be challenging for the whole family,” notes an insider. The public nature of their split has added an additional layer of stress, with every development scrutinized by the media.

Moving Forward?

Despite the bitterness and ongoing legal battles, there have been signs that both Jolie and Pitt are seeking to move forward. Pitt has been focusing on his acting career, recently filming an upcoming Formula One-based movie in the U.K., and spending time with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. Jolie, on the other hand, has been dedicating herself to her children and her work, recently winning a Tony Award for producing Broadway's The Outsiders.

Conclusion

As Jolie and Pitt inch closer to potentially settling their nearly decade-long divorce, the saga stands as a testament to the complexities of ending a high-profile marriage. From custody battles to financial disputes, their divorce has been a tangled web of emotional and legal challenges. While the bitterness has prolonged their separation, the hope is that both can eventually find closure and move forward for the sake of their children and themselves.