Two children of actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, have initiated the process of dropping their father's last name. The declarations were made through advertisements in the Los Angeles Daily Journal, a legal requirement for name changes in California.

This move follows similar actions by other Pitt-Jolie offspring. Shiloh legally dropped Pitt when she turned 18 in 2024, and twins Vivienne and Knox are reportedly also seeking to change their surname. California law mandates that name changes be publicly announced, a step these siblings are reportedly fulfilling with legal precision.

The estrangement between Pitt and some of his children has been a subject of public discussion, particularly since a 2016 incident on a private plane. Angelina Jolie filed for divorce days after the alleged altercation, in which Pitt reportedly doused their children with beer and argued with Jolie. Pitt was cleared of all charges following an investigation and subsequently attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and became sober.

Despite Pitt's reported efforts to reconcile with his children over the years, the distance appears to have intensified. According to one account, a friend in a similar situation with their children noted the difficulty in fighting such estrangement, describing it as an "industry" where individuals are in a position to spend significantly to regain contact with their children.

The legal and emotional complexities of high-profile divorces are highlighted by the financial implications for those involved in the legal process. Attorneys may profit from prolonged disputes, as suggested by the observation that "everyone who comes in here says that, no one ends on good terms."

Brad Pitt, who rose to fame in the early 1990s, was known for his down-to-earth reputation. Early in his career, he was described as humble and approachable, with a public persona that contrasted with some of his more intense film roles. Reports from the time indicated he was considered a good person who aimed to do the right thing. However, the current situation suggests a profound public heartbreak.

A Hollywood source familiar with both Pitt and Jolie commented on Jolie, stating, "People hate her." This sentiment suggests a perception of Jolie as a polarizing figure, with some observers believing that forgiveness, particularly towards her ex-husband, could be beneficial for their children as they navigate young adulthood.

The situation has drawn parallels to Jennifer Aniston, Pitt's former wife, who has reportedly found a way to forgive him. The article suggests that a reconciliation between Pitt and Jolie would be in the best interest of their children, who are grappling with issues such as experimentation with gender identity, motorcycle riding, and frequenting clubs.