Brad Pitt has reportedly resumed drinking alcohol after seven years of sobriety, with sources close to the actor stating that his return to alcohol is a gradual process he has approached with restraint. Pitt, 62, told Esquire magazine that he now drinks in a "more restrained manner," clarifying that he can "have a few" glasses of wine but no more, emphasizing the need to "be professional about it."
A source close to Pitt's camp told the Daily Mail that the star's return to drinking has been a gradual process in recent years, as he figured out what felt appropriate for him. Friends and his girlfriend of four years, jewelry executive Ines de Ramon, 33, have become more aware of his drinking. De Ramon, who reportedly smokes and enjoys a glass or two of wine, is described as being by Pitt's side to ensure he doesn't overdo it. The couple has been dating since late 2022 and made their red-carpet debut in 2024. Sources indicate Pitt made a pact with de Ramon that she would help him keep his habit in control during what has been a stressful period for him, including dealing with his mother's death.
Meanwhile, Pitt's ex-wife Angelina Jolie is reportedly "not surprised" by his return to drinking. Jolie previously accused Pitt of drunkenly attacking her and some of their children during an alleged altercation on a private jet in September 2016. FBI documents released in 2022 detailed accusations that Pitt lunged at a child, choked another, and struck another in the face during the incident. Jolie also claimed Pitt poured beer and red wine on her and the children and prevented the family from leaving the plane for about 20 minutes. An FBI investigation did not result in charges, and child services did not find abuse.
Pitt sought help for alcoholism in 2016, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and crediting actor Bradley Cooper with helping him achieve sobriety. In the past, he described his addiction as reaching a point where he was "pretty much on my knees" and needed "rebooting."
Despite his personal struggles, Pitt's career has remained largely unaffected. His production company, Plan B Entertainment, has continued to produce critically acclaimed films, and Pitt himself has earned acting awards, including an Oscar for his role in "Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood." He has numerous projects in development.
The actor's return to drinking coincides with a period of estrangement from his children. Many of his six children with Jolie have legally dropped "Pitt" from their last names, including Shiloh, who filed to change hers to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie, and Vivienne, who used the name "Vivienne Jolie." Maddox also legally dropped his father's last name, and Zahara was announced as "Zahara Marley Jolie" at her college graduation. Knox also dropped the name from his high school diploma. Sources close to Pitt's camp insist that his decision to drink again is independent of his children's actions, stating it was not a result of the name changes.
Pitt and Jolie remain engaged in legal battles, including a dispute over their shared wine estate, Miraval, in Provence.