Brad Pitt says his divorce wasn't a 'major thing'. The real story says otherwise.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's love story was the talk of Hollywood for 12 years. From controversial beginnings to a golden power-couple, their relationship and their family were splashed across tabloid magazine covers around the world. 

Their 2016 split was a cataclysmic event, and their lengthy divorce equally captivated the general public, who eagerly awaited each new update. Though it's certainly not been a fun or enjoyable story to tell.

On December 30, 2024, it was announced the couple had reached a settlement after eight years. Both parties have signed off on their divorce, and both have requested a jury trial.

The news was reported by People Magazine, who spoke exclusively with Jolie's lawyer.

"More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family," Jolie's lawyer James Simon told PEOPLE in a statement. "This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over."

At the time, Pitt's reps declined to comment. But in a new interview with GQ, Pitt was asked if things felt different on the other side, or if he felt a sense of "relief".

"No," Pitt replied. "I don't think it was that major of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally."

And when asked if having his new film, F1, had provided him with a sense of reprieve from the attention his divorce proceedings had generated in recent months, Pitt downplayed the impact of it all.

"My personal life is always in the news. It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way."

"It's been an annoyance," he continued, before describing the public speculation and media attention as a "nagging time suck".

"My life is fairly contained," he said. "It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit."

But does the lengthy legal battle behind the scenes of their split really paint such a 'chill' picture? The true story is much more complicated than the one the actor is currently spinning.

After meeting on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2004, the couple became 'official' after Pitt's split from Jennifer Aniston in 2005.

They eventually wed in August 2014. But two years later, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in September 2016. Their divorce stretched for eight years, with messy legal battles over shared assets, custody, and familial drama taking centre stage in the ongoing saga.

They share six children together: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne — with Pitt adopting Maddox and Zahara in 2006 after he began dating Jolie.

Many of their children have publicly cut ties with their father. As she turned 18, Shiloh dropped 'Pitt' from her surname through formal legal proceedings in California. Her 19-year-old sister, Zahara, also cut Pitt from her surname. Vivienne, who is 16, recently chose not to use her father's surname on a playbill for her musical, The Outsiders. 

Meanwhile, Pax shared a 2020 Father's Day tribute to Pitt in which he called him an 'a**hole' and an 'awful human being' as he declared, "You have made the lives of those closest to me a constant hell."

"You have no consideration or empathy toward your four youngest children who tremble in fear when in your presence," Pax said at the time, referring to Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox. 

In December 2020, Jolie's lawyers said three of the couple's children wanted to testify in court on behalf of their mother in the ongoing custody battle — a request which was denied. 

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce has spanned eight years. Image: Getty.

But that's certainly not all, as their divorce has led to a separate legal battle over their shared asset: Château Miraval.

Here's everything you need to know about their divorce timeline, ongoing legal battles, and custody agreement.

Why did Angelina Jolie divorce Brad Pitt? 

On September 14, 2016, Pitt and Jolie were in an alleged physical altercation on a private plane trip from France back to the US. All six of their children were on board. 

The FBI and the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services investigated the incident.

In heavily redacted FBI documents released six years later in 2022, Jolie claimed Pitt's actions made her feel "like a hostage" on the plane as she alleges he grabbed and shook her, pushed her into a wall, and punched the ceiling of the aircraft. Jolie also admitted to wrapping her arms around Pitt's neck in a choke-hold style in an attempt to restrain him.

Further details were shared as part of the former couple's ongoing legal dispute over Château Miraval (more on that below). 

"Jolie… had never before publicly revealed her reasons for divorcing Pitt and selling her share of Miraval," the cross complaint stated. "When Pitt filed this lawsuit seeking to reassert control over Jolie's financial life and compel her to rejoin her ex-husband as a frozen-out business partner, Pitt forced Jolie to publicly defend herself on these issues for the first time."

The new details included that Pitt allegedly had "a confrontation with one of the children," believed to be Maddox, while at the airport in France.

Once on board, he allegedly fought with Jolie over her being "too deferential to the children" and accused her of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and them. 

The cross complaint claimed he "pulled her into the bathroom and began yelling at her… grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her, and then grabbed her shoulders and shook her again, pushing her into the bathroom wall."

According to the report, one child asked if Jolie was okay and Pitt allegedly responded, "Mommy's not okay. She's ruining this family. She's crazy."

When one of the kids confronted Pitt, he allegedly "lunged" at the child. Jolie said she then grabbed Pitt from behind, but he threw himself into an airplane seat in order to free himself from her. She sustained injuries in the process.

"The children rushed in and all bravely tried to protect each other. Before it was over, Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face. Some of the children pleaded with Pitt to stop. They were all frightened. Many were crying," according to Jolie's complaint.

It is alleged that Pitt poured alcohol over Jolie and the children and caused damage to the interior of the plane in the process. 

The plane stopped in International Falls, Minnesota. Jolie claims to have told Pitt she was going to take the children to a hotel for the evening, but he wouldn't allow it and the flight continued on to Burbank.

When it landed, Pitt allegedly refused to let the family leave the plane for 20 minutes. "You're not taking my f***ing kids," he yelled, according to the FBI report. 

The authorities were alerted and waiting for the family in Burbank, though it is unknown who reported the incident.

Angelina Jolie with her kids Shiloh, Zaharah, Vivienne, Maddox and Knox in 2021. Image: Getty.

Because it occurred on a plane, the FBI also investigated the incident. At the time, an FBI agent provided the US Attorney's Office with "copies of a probable cause statement related to this incident". However, Pitt was never charged, and the investigation was closed.

According to Vanity Fair's in-depth investigation, a source close to the star said "Brad was drinking, and the confrontation got out of hand. He was absolutely wrong in how he behaved but immediately ​apologised and ​acknowledged that he had crossed a line, which he will always regret, and right away took steps to address this and try to make amends." 

Three days after the incident, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt, citing 'irreconcilable differences.' She listed their date of separation as the day after the flight, September 15. 

The subject of alleged abuse in their marriage has returned in November 2024 as their legal battle reaches new heights. 

As part of a court filing in proceedings over their château, Jolie's defence alleged that physical abuse had started "well before" the known incident.

"While Pitt's history of physical abuse of Jolie started well before the family's September 2016 plane trip from France to Los Angeles, this flight marked the first time he turned his physical abuse on the children as well. Jolie then immediately left him," the documents allege, per PEOPLE.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's rare statements on divorce.

The year following their divorce, in May 2017, Pitt was on the cover of GQ Magazine and his wide-ranging interview addressed 'divorce, quitting drinking and becoming a better man.' 

On fatherhood, Pitt said, "It's hit me smack in the face with our divorce: I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I haven't been great at it."

On the beginning of his divorce proceedings, he told the publication: "We're both doing our best. I heard one lawyer say, 'No one wins in court — it's just a matter of who gets hurt worse.' And it seems to be true, you spend a year just focused on building a case to prove your point and why you're right and why they're wrong, and it's just an investment in vitriolic hatred."

Two months later, Angelina shared her side with Vanity Fair, and alluded to events that occurred prior to the split. 

"We care for each other and care about our family, and we are both working towards the same goal," she said.

"They've been very brave. They were very brave. In times they needed to be. We're all just healing from the events that led to the filing… They're not healing from divorce. They're healing from some … from life, from things in life."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's custody agreement.

On September 30, 2016, the couple reached a temporary agreement. Jolie was given full custody of all six children, while Pitt was entitled to visitation rights under strict guidelines. He agreed to counselling and testing for alcohol and drugs.

In December that same year, Pitt's lawyers filed a motion to keep the documents in their case sealed. In January, Jolie agreed but alleged in court documents that Pitt was "terrified that the public will learn the truth".

In January 2017, they agreed to seal sensitive records relating to their six children.

In June 2018, there was a 'detailed schedule' created for Pitt to spend time with all children except Maddox — who had legally become an adult.

In April 2019, Pitt and Jolie were ruled legally single, though their custody case continued in a 'private trial' under the eyes of retired judge John Ouderkirk.

Ouderkirk was known to the family, and had married the couple at their Miraval estate in 2014.

Jolie offered to have three of their children, each over the required age of 14, testify about their father's behaviour in the trial. The offer was declined.

In May 2021, Pitt was granted more time with his children. But the decision was reversed by a three-judge panel who disqualified the former judge, Ouderkirk, for a violation of his "ethical obligations".

Vivienne Jolie and Angelina Jolie attend the 77th Annual Tony Awards. Image: Getty.

In 2025, Pitt has "virtually no contact" with his older children, but still has visitation rights with his younger kids, twins Vivienne and Knox, People Magazine reports.

"His engagement with the younger kids is more limited in recent months because of his filming schedule," their source said. "[Angelina] has the kids most of the time, but per their agreement, he has visitation with the younger kids."

His adult children have largely cut ties, with Shiloh and Zahara publicly removing his surname from their names. Maddox and Pax have also made their feelings known. You can read more about what his children have said here.

A source told ET in June, "Brad has always loved being a father and loves his children. This situation is upsetting to him, and he recognises that things have been difficult for him and the whole family."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's lawsuit over Château Miraval.

Aussies would likely recognise Jolie and Pitt's wine brand, Miraval, as it's one of the most popular rosé options on the market. Behind the affordable drop of wine is an ongoing legal battle that has captivated fans with every new update.  

Through their respective holding companies, the couple purchased Château Miraval on May 8, 2008, for 25 million euros.

In January 2021, Jolie emailed Pitt and detailed her intentions to sell her stake in the property. In court documents later revealed, Jolie's lawyers would argue she was 'shut out' of the business by Pitt and no longer wanted to share it with him. 

"I have tried to stay open to the business, to see it as something that could be positive for our family, and have therefore not walked away," she wrote. "I see now how you have really wanted me out and will most likely be pleased to receive this email."

In her email, she told Pitt she would accept "a complete buy-out of my share in the property and business" or would like to sell the business together. She gave him a two-week deadline to decide. 

Pitt agreed to buy her out of Miraval and in February 2021 agreed to pay her $54.5 million. 

But as part of their ongoing child custody proceedings at that time, Jolie filed a sealed document offering to prove her allegations of domestic violence. Her lawyers allege that Pitt then asked her to sign an NDA in order to complete the sale of Miraval. 

She called it an "unconscionable gag order." A source close to Pitt said the NDA was strictly about Miraval. As the argument continued, Pitt declined to buy her stake in Miraval.

Miraval is at the centre of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's legal battle. Image: Getty.

In October 2021, Jolie chose to sell her stake to Tenute del Mondo for $67 million. A month before the sale, she was given the go-ahead by a judge after she was previously prevented from doing so during their divorce proceedings.

Pitt filed a lawsuit against Jolie in February 2022.

Filed in California, the suit sought to nullify the sale of Jolie's 50 per cent stake of Miraval. In a separate suit, filed in Luxembourg, Pitt claimed that the transfer of 10 per cent of Miraval to Jolie in 2013 should be null and void because she never paid the one-euro price. In both suits, Pitt claimed she violated a previous agreement that stated they would have to grant each other approval to sell their stakes in the company. 

In a June 2022 court filing, Pitt further alleged Jolie damaged the company's reputation by selling her shares to a "stranger" — Yuri Shefler, owner of Stoli Group.

"Jolie pursued and then consummated the purported sale in secret, purposely keeping Pitt in the dark, and knowingly violating Pitt's contractual rights," the filing read, adding she did so to "inflict harm" on him.

In September 2022, Jolie filed a counter-suit by her business, Nouvel, against Pitt and his holding company, Mondo Bongo.

She alleged Pitt was "waging a vindictive war" against her. The company was seeking $250 million in damages, saying Pitt "masterminded a so-far-successful plan to seize control" of Château Miraval after the couple's divorce.

From there, additional details have been shared by both sides as the case continues. 

The most recent update came on November 25, 2024. A judge has ruled that Pitt must disclose documents, which Jolie's lawyer alleges will "prove communications concerning abuse, lies to authorities, and years of cover up."

These include emails, texts and other written communications, but nothing between him and his attorneys or therapists.

The Daily Mail reports to have seen copies of the documents, claiming they range in time from September 14, 2016 to December 31, 2018.

Pitt's legal team previously sought for her motion to be denied, calling it "wide-ranging and intrusive," and a "sensationalist fishing expedition."

In a statement shared after the ruling on November 25, Jolie's laywer Paul Murphy said, "His actions harmed Angelina and their children and are central to this case."

"She wants this to end, the children want this to end, and Mr. Pitt should focus on healing their family, not pursuing lawsuits.

"I want to again emphasise that Angelina never wanted any of this," Murphy said in a statement following the victorious day in court. "She never pressed charges, she left all their properties, and she is the one who tried to sell him the business in the first place.

"To this day, Mr. Pitt has never been held accountable for his actions and has at all times controlled Miraval and the winery, yet he still demands more. She wants this to end, the children want this to end, and Mr. Pitt should focus on healing their family, not pursuing lawsuits."

"If he does not," the lawyer added, "Angelina will defend herself in court by presenting the evidence necessary to demonstrate that Pitt's allegations are demonstrably false."

Pitt and Jolie's divorce may be settled, but the battle for Miraval is not over. Image: Getty.

Earlier in November, Pitt scored his own big win in the battle.

A judge refused three motions to dismiss Pitt's claim that Jolie violated a verbal and written agreement to not sell their stakes in Miraval without both parties' permission. 

"This is a clear victory for Brad which demonstrates the legitimacy of his claims and demonstrates, yet again, the other side's talk is not backed up with substance," a source close to Pitt told People Magazine. 

A trial is set for 2025, though it's been reported this battle could rage into 2026.

For the trial, Jolie has requested a jury trial lasting 10 to 15 days and has agreed to participate in a settlement conference or mediation session as a form of alternative dispute resolution. In his case management statement, Pitt also agreed to mediation.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce is finally over.

As mentioned, Jolie and Pitt were declared 'legally single' in 2019, which is known as bifurcation. It meant they could both have other relationships and even marry another partner.

Jolie was briefly linked to the singer The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) in 2022. Pitt has dated a number of women since their split, including Emily Ratajkowski, Nicole Poturalski and Neri Oxman. He is currently dating jewellery designer Ines de Ramon.

In December 2024, People Magazine confirmed a 'settlement' had been reached, with the divorce signed off by both parties.

"Angelina has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago," the actress' lawyer James Simon told People in a statement. "Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over."

The ongoing saga is (almost) over.

READ NEXT: Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's divorce was nothing like we were told.

Feature Image: Getty.

This article was originally published in November 2024 and has since been updated with new information.