Angelina Jolie insider shares details around children dropping Brad Pitt surname

Source close to Angelina Jolie has commented after several of her children moved to legally drop Brad Pitt's surname

A source close to Angelina Jolie has commented on the decision by several of her children to legally remove Brad Pitt's surname, saying the public does not know "the whole truth" behind the family's situation.

Speaking to People, the source suggested there are reasons behind the children's decisions that have not been publicly disclosed.

"If people knew the whole truth, they would have more sympathy for the children and respect them," the source said. "The fact they aren't speaking ill or sharing things publicly only shows their decency."

The source also said Jolie's priority remains moving forward rather than continuing conflict.

"Angie hasn't been fighting and isn't angry. She just wants everyone to heal."

The comments follow reports that Vivienne, one of Jolie and Pitt's 18-year-old twins, has filed a petition to legally change her name from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie.

Her reported filing follows similar moves by several of her siblings. Zahara previously filed to legally change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie, while 24-year-old Maddox is reportedly seeking to become Maddox Chivan Jolie. In 2024, Shiloh also filed legal documents requesting that "Pitt" be removed from her surname.

According to the report, 22-year-old Pax and 18-year-old Knox have not taken legal steps to change their names.

The reported name changes come years after Jolie accused Pitt of physically abusing her and several of their children during an incident aboard a private aircraft in 2016, shortly before she filed for divorce.

Court filings made public in 2022, during the former couple's legal dispute over their French winery, repeated allegations that Pitt grabbed Jolie by the head, choked one of their children and struck another. An FBI investigation into the incident concluded without charges being brought against Pitt.

Jolie and Pitt married in 2014 after a decade together. Their divorce was finalised in 2024, and with all six of their children now adults, there is no longer a formal custody agreement in place.