Brad Pitt has finally spoken publicly about his gruelling eight-year divorce battle with Angelina Jolie, describing the protracted legal fight as “exhausting” while carefully avoiding any direct criticism of his ex-wife.
The 61-year-old actor, speaking to GQ magazine while promoting his upcoming Formula 1 film, appeared determined to draw a line under the bitter proceedings that have dominated headlines since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016.
“It’s been a long road,” Pitt said in his first public comments about the December settlement. “But we’re focused on what’s best for the family moving forward. That’s all that matters now.”
The measured response marks a notable shift from the acrimonious battles that saw the former Hollywood power couple clash over custody of their six children and ownership of their French winery, Château Miraval.
Sources close to Pitt say he’s “relieved it’s finally over” and eager to move past what friends describe as the “darkest chapter” of his life.
“Brad just wants peace now,” a close friend revealed. “Eight years of lawyers, court dates, and public scrutiny – it’s taken a massive toll. He’s ready to focus on the future.”
The divorce, filed by Jolie citing “irreconcilable differences” following an alleged incident on a private plane, became one of Hollywood’s most contentious splits, with both sides accusing the other of manipulation and media leaks.
Speaking to GQ, Pitt seemed keen to avoid reopening old wounds, instead focusing on his relationship with the children and his new film projects.
“Look, we’re a family – always will be,” he said. Sometimes things don’t work out how you planned, but you have to accept that and find a way forward that protects what’s most important.
The actor, who appears notably relaxed in the magazine spread, has thrown himself into work, with F1 marking his return to blockbuster filmmaking alongside producing projects through his company Plan B.
“Work has been therapeutic,” he admitted. “Throwing yourself into something creative, something positive – it helps process everything else.”
The settlement, details of which remain confidential, reportedly includes complex custody arrangements for their younger children – twins Knox and Vivienne, 16, and Shiloh, 18 – while their older children are now adults.
Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, and Zahara, 20, have reportedly remained distant from Pitt, with sources suggesting the divorce took its toll on his relationship with the older children.
That’s the real heartbreak for Brad,” a family friend confided. “The divorce is one thing, but losing time with his kids – that’s what’s killed him.”
Pitt’s comments carefully avoided any mention of the specific allegations that derailed the marriage, including Jolie’s claims about the private plane incident that sparked an FBI investigation, which ultimately resulted in no charges.
“I’m not going to drag anyone through the mud,” he said when pressed about the darker moments. “We’ve all said and done things we regret. The important thing is learning from it.”
The actor acknowledged he’s undergone significant personal changes during the divorce years, including getting sober and attending therapy.
“I’m a different person than I was eight years ago,” he reflected. “This process forced me to look at myself, really look at myself, and make changes. In some ways, I’m grateful for that.”
Friends say the extended legal battle cost both parties millions in legal fees and took an emotional toll that went far beyond the financial impact.
Brad aged ten years during this divorce,” observed one longtime associate. “The stress, the public scrutiny, the kids being caught in the middle – it was brutal to watch.”
The GQ interview, conducted at Pitt’s production office, saw the actor more philosophical than bitter about the experience.
“Life doesn’t always follow the script you write,” he mused. “Angie and I, we had something beautiful. We created a beautiful family. That doesn’t go away just because the marriage ended.”
Industry insiders note that both Pitt and Jolie have been careful to avoid public mudslinging recently, possibly due to fatigue or recognition that continued fighting benefits nobody.
They finally realised the only winners in this were the lawyers,” said one Hollywood insider. Eight years and millions of dollars later, what was really accomplished?
Pitt’s return to high-profile filmmaking with F1 seems strategically timed to mark his post-divorce renaissance, with the actor appearing reinvigorated on set.
“He’s like a different person,” said one crew member. “Focused, professional, but also more relaxed than we’ve seen him in years. It’s like a weight’s been lifted.”
The actor was careful to wish Jolie well in her future endeavours, though the comment felt perfunctory rather than warm.
“I hope she finds happiness,” he said simply. “We both deserve that. The kids deserve to see their parents happy.
When asked about dating rumours linking him to various women, Pitt deflected with characteristic charm.
“I’m focused on work, my kids, my sobriety,” he said. “If something happens naturally, great. But I’m not actively looking. I’m actually enjoying being on my own for the first time in decades.”
The divorce settlement included the division of extensive assets, including properties worldwide and Pitt’s beloved Plan B production company, which he retained.
Most contentious was the battle over Château Miraval, their French winery, with Jolie’s sale of her stake to a Russian oligarch sparking a separate legal battle that continues.
“That one still stings,” Pitt admitted. “We built something special there. But you have to pick your battles, and I picked my kids over everything else.”
Friends say the actor has found peace through Buddhism and meditation, practices he adopted during the divorce proceedings.
“Brad’s always been a searcher,” explained one friend. “This experience sent him deeper into that spiritual journey. He’s calmer now, more centred.”
The GQ piece portrays a man seemingly at peace with his past while cautiously optimistic about his future – a marked contrast to the embattled figure of recent years.
“I’m grateful,” Pitt concluded. “For the good times, for the lessons learned from the bad times, for my kids, for my sobriety, for the chance to keep doing what I love. That’s enough.”
Whether this marks genuine closure or simply Hollywood PR management remains to be seen. But for now, at least publicly, Brad Pitt appears ready to close the Brangelina chapter and write a new story.
“The best chapters are still to come,” he said with a smile. “I truly believe that.”
