Brad Pitt is actively attempting to rebuild relationships with his estranged children amid ongoing family tensions and recent name changes by some of his kids. The actor’s efforts to reconnect come years after his split from Angelina Jolie in 2016, with public indications that some of his children are distancing themselves by dropping the Pitt surname.
Brad Pitt’s Efforts to Repair Bonds with His Children
The 61-year-old actor is reported to be making a determined effort to mend ties with his children, particularly his youngest twins, Knox and Vivienne, as they approach their 17th birthday. According to a close source, Brad is “desperate” to reunite with them, despite acknowledging that the likelihood of success is slim. Vivienne’s recent choice to drop the Pitt name caused Brad to feel “totally devastated,” though there remains some hope that Knox, who still uses the “Jolie-Pitt” surname, might be more open to reconciliation.
Pitt and ex-wife Angelina Jolie share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and the twins Knox and Vivienne. Over time, multiple children have distanced themselves from Brad, officially removing “Pitt” from their last names, signaling a deeper familial divide. The estrangement has been visible publicly, including a notable incident in 2020 when Pax reportedly made critical remarks about his father on Father’s Day.
Public Reactions to Brad Pitt’s Attempt at Family Rebuilding
The news of Brad’s desire to reconnect has sparked varied responses from fans and observers. Many expressed skepticism about whether rapprochement is possible. One commenter was emphatic, stating,
“Angie will never let it happen!”
Another shared a more empathetic perspective, saying,
“There is always a good reason why children go no contact with a parent.”
Some voices stressed that outsiders cannot fully understand the children‘s motivations, with one noting,
“It takes a lot for kids to turn away like that from a parent. We are not in their shoes. We have no idea what they’ve lived to make them reach such a decision.”
Others did not pull punches, criticizing Brad’s role in the breakdown of the relationship,
“He should have been better father then.”
In contrast, some defended Brad, accusing Angelina of influencing the children, as shared by a commenter who wrote,
“Don’t beg for forgiveness, it’s not your fault, your wife is the one making it worse for your children brainwashing them. Find a new life make babies and make your own way.”
Additional comments highlighted the emotional complexities involved, including a warning about children becoming “pawns” in parental conflicts,
“It’s horrible when a parent uses children as pawns in their revenge game.”
Meanwhile, some hoped for forgiveness, urging,
“Forgive your father. Pray for him too.”
Others remained cautiously optimistic, offering support such as,
“In time, your children will start to make sense of everything.”
and
“Hopefully you reconcile with them, it is sad when marriages break up and one parent makes it difficult for the other parent to have access through spite.”
Children’s Name Changes Signal Increasing Distance
The signs of separation have become clearer through official name changes by some of Brad’s children. Vivienne removed “Pitt” from her last name in the Playbill for the musical The Outsiders, which she helped produce with Angelina Jolie, appearing as simply “Vivienne Jolie.” The 15-year-old’s decision foreshadows a deeper personal stance, although it is unclear whether this change is legally finalized.
Shiloh took more definitive action, filing legal documents on her 18th birthday, May 27, 2024, to drop the Pitt surname and now goes by “Shiloh Jolie.” This formal change underscores her intention to disassociate from her father’s name as she transitions into adulthood.
Furthermore, when Zahara joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Spelman College, she introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie,” omitting the Pitt surname entirely in the video shared online. These individual actions highlight the deepening rift and the children’s desire to assert their own identities apart from their father’s legacy.
Personal Life and Career Stability Despite Familial Struggles
While family relationships remain strained, other aspects of Brad Pitt’s life appear more settled. The actor and Angelina Jolie finalized their divorce in late 2024 after an eight-year legal process. Brad’s personal life includes a steady relationship with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon, who is 32 years old. They have been together for over two years and are reportedly very happy, with sources close to Brad describing the relationship as stable and fulfilling.
Professionally, Brad stars in the big-budget film F1, a sports drama directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced with input from Lewis Hamilton. The movie, which cost more than $200 million and took three years to complete, has reinvigorated Brad’s passion for acting. Filming involved real Formula 1 tracks and driving scenes reaching speeds up to 180 mph, which a close source described as an energizing experience for the actor.
The film’s early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, and Brad is reportedly confident about its box office performance. This project symbolizes a broader renewal phase in his career and personal growth, which includes his ongoing commitment to sobriety and therapy since 2017. Brad himself has credited therapy with playing a crucial role in his development.
Growth Through Work and New Ventures
Beyond acting, Brad has remained active behind the camera through his production company Plan B and has branched into luxury lifestyle products. In 2025, he launched a linen line under his brand God’s True Cashmere, co-founded with holistic healer Sat Hari. These ventures demonstrate his expanded creative and entrepreneurial interests beyond the film industry.
Reflecting on his recent journey, Brad has spoken about finding peace by focusing on significant elements like personal relationships and self-awareness. His new relationship with Ines de Ramon showcases this, as the couple has been publicly affectionate and supportive.
Public Perception and Social Media Reactions to Brad and Ines
Brad and Ines made a notable public appearance at the F1 world premiere in New York City, where their chemistry sparked much online discussion. The couple’s elegant presence and affectionate interactions at both the premiere and afterparty drew polarized responses. Some viewers criticized Ines as being “clingy,” comparing her unfavorably to Angelina Jolie, while others expressed doubts about Brad’s feelings for her.
The negativity included comments such as,
“She’s too clingy. When he was with Angelina he seems more head over heels she was knife that stabbed him in the heart.”
Another voice said,
“She is not going to last. He’s not infatuated with her.”
One user even asserted,
“He misses Angelina Jolie. Brad doesn’t love this new women. I can see it in is eyes.”
Other critics focused on Brad’s perceived self-centeredness, claiming,
“Brad loves himself and only himself.”
Despite the criticism, some fans warmly supported the couple, offering compliments such as,
“Gorgeous together — best of luck and much happiness Brad and Ines,”
and praising their connection, calling it “Amazing chemistry.”
A Closer Look at Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon’s Relationship
Insiders who know Brad offer a different picture, describing the couple’s bond as solid, drama-free, and mutually supportive. Ines has been characterized as “very supportive” and a calming presence, perfectly complementing Brad’s life since their relationship began in late 2022. Their joint public appearances, including the F1 premiere, are seen as genuine reflections of a flourishing partnership rather than staged displays.
Upcoming Projects and Continuing Stories
Brad Pitt’s career momentum continues with the imminent release of F1, scheduled for theaters on June 27. The film’s star-studded cast also includes Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Kim Bodnia, Tobias Menzies, and Sarah Niles. Its success is anticipated to further reestablish Brad’s stature in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, the ongoing family tensions and the actor’s pursuit of reconciliation with his children remain a developing story. The public will be watching closely to see whether the fracture within one of Hollywood’s most famous families can heal, or if the name changes and personal choices by the children will deepen the divide.
