Hollywood stars have six children between them – 23-year-old Maddox, 21-year-old Pax, 19-year-old Zahara, 18-year-old Shiloh, and 16-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox. Three of the older children were adopted by the couple, while the younger ones are biological. Angelina gained sole custody of the children after the 2016 private plane incident, which allegedly involved Brad Pitt’s abusive behavior.
The Oscar-winning actor could see his children only during designated times and under supervision. However, over the past eight years, he has almost lost touch with them. The older children have reached adulthood and can now decide whether they want to have a relationship with their father. Maddox and Pax, however, are firmly opposed to it. Despite the challenging situation, Brad believes reconciliation is still possible.
“After the divorce, his relationship with the children never improved. It has been a very difficult eight-year journey, but Brad will never give up – he wants to save his family,” an insider shared.
Pitt is hoping for a Christmas miracle. He believes the children have become wiser and may want to spend the holiday with him. “Brad continues to write to the children to let them know that he loves them. He has not lost hope that they will come back this year. He has been waiting for this for over eight years,” said a friend of the actor.
After the conflict on the plane, the Fight Club actor underwent significant personal work. He sought help, changed his lifestyle, and took up sports. Pitt has been trying to show the children that he is no longer the same person. “After Brad and Angelina split, he gave the children some time and tried to prove to them that he had worked on himself. He went to therapy on his own, quit drinking, and gradually tried to rebuild his relationships,” the source explained.
However, Angelina insisted on group therapy sessions, while her ex-husband found the process strained and formal. The actor won a major victory when he was granted joint custody of the children in 2021 after a lengthy court battle. However, the decision was overturned after Jolie succeeded in having the judge disqualified, and everything reverted to the previous arrangement. “His behavior and the divorce caused so much pain for everyone. He’s still trying to get through it. He just worries that time is running out.”
Brad has always been close to his daughter Shiloh, but recently, she too has become distant. She even dropped her father’s last name on her 18th birthday. While Pitt can still have contact with Vivienne and Knox under the court ruling, they too will reach adulthood in 20 months.
“Now Brad is worried that he may lose his relationship with the twins as well. This could be his last chance for reconciliation. Brad believes that Angelina will never stop being angry with him, but all is not lost if their children follow their mother’s example. Angie had difficult relations with her father, Jon Voight, but still tried to reconnect with him over the years. Pitt just wants the same opportunity. He will never lose hope,” added the actor’s confidant.
