Brad Pitt is reportedly upset after his eldest son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, took legal steps to stop using the actor’s last name and instead be known as Maddox Chivan Jolie. The reported decision comes amid a long-running strain between Pitt and his six children with Angelina Jolie, including recent public signs of distance that have further fueled speculation about their relationship.
According to the report, Pitt has been deeply affected by the fact that his children no longer want a public association with his surname. A source said the actor feels especially hurt that his children are choosing to separate themselves from his name, describing the situation as emotionally difficult for him. Pitt reportedly still hopes for eventual reconciliation and has left the door open to rebuilding ties with all of his children, though insiders say he understands he cannot force contact or forgiveness.
Maddox, now 24, was originally adopted by Jolie before her relationship with Pitt began. Pitt later became Maddox’s legal father in 2006, after he and Jolie started their relationship. The former couple later had five more children together: Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Maddox’s reported name change mirrors the step taken by his younger sister Shiloh, who also sought to drop Pitt’s surname after turning 18.
Sources quoted in the report claim that Pitt’s estrangement from his children has been worsened by the divorce and custody tensions between him and Jolie. One insider alleged that Jolie was behind a successful effort to alienate the actor from the children, saying the situation has been devastating for him. Another source said Pitt’s biggest fear is becoming permanently disconnected from his kids, especially as time passes without reconciliation.
The distance has also been highlighted by major family events. Pitt was reportedly absent from Zahara’s graduation from Spelman College, and sources claimed he never reached out about attending. Zahara had already begun using only Jolie’s last name publicly, though she has not legally changed it. Jolie and three of the children were present for the graduation.
The report also notes that Pitt has missed other milestones, including Knox’s Muay Thai competition on his 17th birthday in 2025. While Pitt reportedly still has court-mandated visits with his younger twins, the article says he rarely sees them. Despite the ongoing estrangement, the central message from insiders is that Pitt still hopes his children will eventually reconnect with him.
