The drama surrounding Brad Pitt’s relationship with his children has reached a boiling point, with multiple signs that his once-close family is now deeply fractured. As his kids grow older, they have increasingly distanced themselves from him, with some even taking the drastic step of changing their last names to Jolie, dropping “Pitt” altogether. This is a bold statement about the strained relationship between the actor and his children, particularly in light of the many public and private controversies that have dogged the family since the divorce from Angelina Jolie.

Shiloh’s Bold Move: Dropping “Pitt”

One of the most shocking developments in Brad Pitt’s troubled relationship with his children came when his daughter Shiloh, upon turning 18, decided to legally drop his last name from her identity. Shiloh Jolie Pitt, who was born to Brad and Angelina, filed to officially remove “Pitt” from her surname and go simply by Shiloh Jolie. The decision was a clear signal that Shiloh no longer wants to be associated with her famous father.

This change comes amid years of mounting tension between Brad and his children following the couple’s highly publicized divorce in 2016. While Shiloh’s name change is a significant and public act of distancing, it’s not the first of its kind. Zahara, her older sister, introduced herself publicly as Zahara Marley Jolie during a sorority ceremony, deliberately omitting the “Pitt” name—another sign of the growing estrangement from Brad.

The Bitter Fallout: Brad’s Strained Relationship with His Children

The dissolution of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s marriage in 2016 set the stage for years of family turmoil. Since their split, Brad has publicly expressed a desire to rebuild his bond with his children, but the reality is much different. For many of the kids, especially the older ones like Zahara and Shiloh, the relationship with their father has been marked by emotional distance and resentment.

Reports have circulated for years about Brad’s troubled relationship with his kids, and allegations of physical and emotional abuse during and after the divorce only added fuel to the fire. In 2016, there were claims of an altercation between Brad and Angelina on a private jet, which led to an FBI investigation. Although no charges were filed, the emotional scars seem to have remained for the children, particularly the older ones who have been vocal about their feelings.

The Allegations: “Despicable” Behavior and Claims of Abuse

In addition to Shiloh’s name change, another jaw-dropping moment came from Pax, Brad’s 16-year-old adopted son, who publicly slammed his father on social media. On Father’s Day, Pax posted a brutally honest message on Instagram calling Brad a “world-class a-hole” and a “despicable person.” He further accused his father of making his four youngest siblings “tremble in fear” and claimed Brad had been emotionally abusive to the family.

This post, which quickly went viral, painted a grim picture of Brad Pitt as a father. For a teenager to go to such extremes to express his disdain on a public platform, especially on a day dedicated to fathers, suggests that the issues within the family are far deeper than anyone could have imagined. Brad’s friends and supporters quickly came to his defense, dismissing Pax’s comments as untrue, but the damage was done. The public airing of this family drama gave the world an unsettling glimpse into the real-life struggles Brad’s children face in their relationship with him.

Brad’s Denial and the Ongoing Struggles

Brad has consistently denied any allegations of abuse, but the ongoing fallout between him and his children seems to suggest a more complex story. While he continues to express a desire to be a better father, many reports indicate that his efforts to mend the broken bonds have been met with resistance from his kids. His personal struggles with addiction, particularly alcohol, have also contributed to the family’s dysfunction. In a 2017 interview, Brad revealed that he had been battling substance abuse for years, using alcohol and marijuana to numb his feelings. He admitted that he had only truly sought help after his divorce, suggesting that his struggles as a father may have been compounded by his personal demons.

Is Angelina to Blame?

Some have suggested that Angelina Jolie has played a role in alienating the children from their father, with reports claiming that she discouraged the kids from spending time with Brad during their custody visits. A former security guard for the family made claims in court documents that Angelina told the kids to avoid their father, but it’s important to recognize that these reports come from sources who were employed by Brad. This raises the question of how much influence Brad and his team may have had on the narrative surrounding his relationship with his children.

At the end of the day, the children are old enough to make their own decisions, and it’s clear that many of them have chosen to distance themselves from Brad. While Angelina may have played a part in the divorce and custody arrangements, it seems that the children have made their feelings known through their actions and words.

The Bitter Custody Battle and the Winery Drama

In addition to the tension between Brad and his children, the former couple’s ongoing legal battles have added more fuel to the fire. The divorce, which has yet to be fully settled, includes disputes over custody of their minor children and the ownership of their French winery, which Brad and Angelina both hold stakes in. The custody arrangement has been a source of constant friction, with Angelina holding primary custody of the younger children while Brad has fought to spend more time with them.

Brad’s attempts to remain involved in his children’s lives have largely failed, as his relationship with them seems to be in a constant state of deterioration. Whether it’s the allegations of abuse, the personal struggles, or the increasing number of name changes among the children, it’s clear that the bond between Brad and his family has been irreparably damaged.

Conclusion: A Family in Crisis

The name changes, the public social media posts, and the ongoing allegations of toxic behavior paint a grim picture of Brad Pitt’s relationship with his children. It’s evident that his once-close family has been shattered by years of emotional pain, public scrutiny, and personal demons. While Brad may want to believe that he can rebuild his relationships with his children, it seems that his past actions—and the impact they’ve had on his family—may be impossible to overcome.

In the end, it’s the children’s voices that matter the most, and they have made their feelings known. Whether or not Brad Pitt can reconcile with them remains to be seen, but the damage done to this family is undeniable. The truth, as Pax so powerfully pointed out, will eventually come to light—and it’s clear that Brad Pitt has a lot of accountability to face if he ever hopes to heal his fractured family.