After nearly a decade of legal wrangling, Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have officially finalized their divorce. The saga, which began in 2016, has been one of the most high-profile and prolonged splits in entertainment history. With disputes ranging from child custody to property battles, the former couple’s separation has been anything but simple.

A High-Profile Split

Jolie and Pitt, once one of Hollywood’s most celebrated power couples, first announced their separation in September 2016 after two years of marriage and over a decade together. Their relationship, often referred to as “Brangelina,” had captured the attention of fans and media worldwide. Jolie filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences,” a move that shocked the world and marked the beginning of a long and complicated legal process.

Child Custody Battles

At the heart of their divorce was the custody of their six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox. Initially, Jolie sought primary custody, which Pitt contested, seeking joint custody. The battle grew contentious, with allegations surfacing about Pitt’s behavior. Reports of an incident on a private jet involving Pitt and their eldest son, Maddox, brought additional scrutiny to the case. While Pitt denied any wrongdoing and was eventually cleared by child services and the FBI, the incident cast a shadow over the proceedings.

By 2021, Pitt was granted joint custody by a judge, a decision Jolie appealed, citing concerns about the judge’s impartiality. The appellate court eventually disqualified the judge, prolonging the dispute. This aspect of their separation was emotionally taxing for both parties, with each emphasizing their desire to prioritize their children’s well-being.

Property Disputes: The Château Miraval Controversy

Another significant point of contention in the divorce was the division of assets, particularly their shared ownership of the $164 million French estate, Château Miraval. Purchased in 2008, the estate was not only a luxurious property but also the site of their 2014 wedding and a successful vineyard business.

The property became a source of legal drama when Jolie sold her stake in Miraval to a third party in 2021 without Pitt’s consent. Pitt subsequently sued Jolie, claiming her actions violated a prior agreement requiring mutual consent for any sale of their shares. Jolie’s team argued that Pitt’s legal challenges were an attempt to exert control and prevent her from financial independence. The legal battle over Miraval continues to this day, with both sides holding firm in their positions.

The Role of Licensing and Commercial Ties

Throughout their separation, both Jolie and Pitt managed to maintain highly successful careers, but the legal disputes occasionally spilled over into their professional lives. Château Miraval, for instance, is tied to a lucrative rosé wine brand, and disputes over its ownership have financial implications beyond the couple’s personal disagreements.

A Final Agreement

On December 30, 2024, the divorce was officially finalized, bringing an end to the eight-year ordeal. Both parties signed a settlement agreement, with details kept largely private. A source close to Jolie described her as “exhausted but relieved” to have reached closure on this chapter of her life.

While the official divorce marks a significant milestone, unresolved legal issues, particularly concerning Miraval, suggest that the two may still cross paths in court. However, both have expressed a desire to shield their children from further media scrutiny and move forward with their respective lives.

Moving Forward

In the years since their split, both Jolie and Pitt have focused on personal growth and professional endeavors. Jolie continues to champion humanitarian causes through her work with the United Nations and recently launched new creative projects, including directing films and running her fashion brand, Atelier Jolie.

Pitt, on the other hand, has remained a leading figure in Hollywood, delivering acclaimed performances in films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Babylon. He has also expanded his business ventures, including his production company, Plan B, and interests in architecture and winemaking.

A Legacy Beyond the Headlines

Despite the public nature of their divorce, Jolie and Pitt’s contributions to film and philanthropy remain significant. Their relationship, while marked by its dramatic end, brought six children into their lives and shaped a chapter of modern Hollywood history.

As both move forward, their fans and the industry alike look toward their next steps, hopeful that this resolution will allow them to focus on their individual paths and continue making a positive impact.

The story of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s divorce serves as a reminder of the complexities of love, fame, and family. It underscores the challenges of navigating personal struggles under the unrelenting spotlight of public attention. With their legal battles finally drawing to a close, Jolie and Pitt now have the opportunity to craft new narratives for their lives—separately, yet forever linked by their shared history.