Vivienne Jolie-Pitt has reportedly changed her name amid her parents’ legal drama. This follows claims that Angelina Jolie is trying to alienate her children from Brad Pitt, further straining their relationship with their father.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attends the opening night of “The Outsiders” at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt is one of the twins of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. When the twins were born in 2008, Brad was “very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional,” said OB/GYN Dr. Michel Sussman.
Brad Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on December 4, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Now 15, Vivienne is exploring her artistic side with her mom’s strong support. According to People, the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders” lists her as “Vivienne Jolie,” notably without “Pitt.” This name change marks a significant step in Vivienne’s evolving public identity.
In the musical, Vivienne works as a production assistant, and her mother, Angelina, is the producer. She often joins her mom during the musical’s promotional tour.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the opening night of “The Outsiders” at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In a recent appearance on “Today,” she was spotted watching Angelina from the crowd. Reflecting on her daughter’s role in the musical, Angelina shared that Vivienne’s enthusiasm for the project is driven by its focus on family.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt watches her mother, Angelina Jolie, being interviewed in the “Today” show for their musical “The Outsiders,” dated May 2024. | Source: Instagram/todayshow
The veteran actress said, “And the same reason it responded to her, the same reason she wanted me next to her watching it, the same reason we all hugged when I came out here is because this is about family and it’s about community…”
Before the promotional tour, the mother-daughter pair were spotted attending the musical’s preview in New York City. This rare outing marked a significant public appearance for Vivienne, her first since 2021, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at the Walter Kerr Theatre for the Broadway show “Hadestown” in Times Square on August 19, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Vivienne’s reported name change and recent public appearances highlight the evolving dynamics of the Jolie-Pitt family. However, she’s not the first of Angelina and Brad’s six children to change their name; Zahara made a similar change late last year.
Zahara Jolie-Pitt introduces herself on stage as Zahara Jolie at Spelman College, as seen in the video dated November 2023. | Source: Instagram/essence
In November 2023, Zahara joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Spelman College. A video shared by Essence shows Zahara’s new sorority sisters cheering as she takes center stage. She proudly announced, “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie,” seemingly dropping her dad’s last name before dancing and flipping her hair.
These changes in the children’s names come amid court documents suggesting Angelina may have influenced their strained relationship with Brad.
Recent claims against the actress surfaced through a statement from Tony Webb, owner of SRS Global, a security company that provided personal protection for Angelina. Webb, employed under Jolie from 2000 to 2020, shared insights from his experience.
Angelina Jolie during the Service of Commemoration and Dedication at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on June 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
“One of the two individuals, Ross Foster, specified that he intended to testify regardless of the NDA if he received a court subpoena,” Webb stated. He further revealed disturbing details about the potential testimony.
Angelina Jolie at the ICC in The Hague on May 19, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
“When Mr. Foster told me this, he also told me that if asked, he would testify about statements he overheard that Ms. Jolie made to the children, encouraging them to avoid spending time with Mr. Pitt during custody visits,” he claimed.
Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina Jolie, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie Pitt during the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
This revelation sparked a fierce reaction across social media platforms, with many expressing dismay at Angelina. Others showed concern over the potential impact on the Jolie-Pitt children.
Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt, Brad Pitt, and Maddox Pitt walking at the seafront promenade in Mumbai on November 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
“The fact that she cannot see the harm this is doing to their kids is just shocking,” one person commented. This was echoed by another commenter who noted, “It’s probably why Shiloh is moving in with her father now… She’s realized her mother is vindictive and has been trying to alienate them from Brad for years.”
Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina Jolie, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
One called Angelina’s alleged move “the worse possible thing a person can do… alienate their children from a parent.” Meanwhile, another declared “Shame on her.”
Angelina Jolie, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at Haneda Airport on June 21, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images
The debate over Angelina’s actions led some to reflect on the cyclical nature of such behavior, attributing it to her tumultuous upbringing. “Her childhood was similar from what I read. Maybe she can’t break that perpetual cycle or doesn’t want to,” one claimed.
Brad Pitt, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on July 30, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images
Despite the public’s critical perception, Angelina has continually strived to embody the role of a nurturing, attentive mother. This is, a commitment deeply rooted in the lessons taught by her own mom.
Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight at the Vanity Fair Oscar party at Morton’s in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA. March 25, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
In a candid revelation made back in 2011, Angelina shared insights into her parenting approach, which is heavily influenced by the relationship she cherished with her mother. Angelina emphasized the importance of not just being a parent but also a friend to her children.
Angelina Jolie, Marcheline Bertrand, and Jacqueline Bisset at the premiere of her new film “Original Sin” in West Hollywood, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
She highlighted the invaluable connection she experienced through open communication and shared activities with her mother. This foundation has guided her in fostering a similar bond with her children, ensuring that despite their diverse backgrounds, they feel united as a family.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Knox Jolie-Pitt during the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil European Premiere held at Imax Waterloo in London on October 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Remembering her mother’s gentle spirit and unwavering generosity, Angelina aspires to emulate these traits. Her aim is clear: to be as good a mother to her children as her mother was to her.
Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt New York during the premiere of ‘First They Killed My Father’ at the DGA Theater on September 14, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Besides Vivienne, Knox, and Zahara, Angelina is a mother to Shiloh, Pax, and Maddox. She shares all of them with Brad. However, their once solid family has been broken since the couple’s separation.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, and Knox Jolie-Pitt during the world premiere of Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” in Hollywood on September 30, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Serious allegations of abuse resulted in Angelina and Brad’s high-profile split. In 2016, Angelina filed for divorce, a decision that followed an alarming incident on a private plane on September 14, 2016, just five days before the filing.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during the EE British Academy Film Awards 2014 at The Royal Opera House on February 16, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
According to a countersuit Angelina filed against Brad, the “Maleficent” star described a terrifying altercation aboard the aircraft. The documents claimed that the conflict began even before reaching the airport, with Brad getting into an argument with one of their children. At that time, their kids ranged in age from 8 to 15.
Brad Pitt and Zahara Jolie Pitt visit The Field Museum in Chicago on August 11, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
During the flight, Angelina alleged that she questioned Brad about what was wrong, which supposedly triggered a severe reaction from him. Angelina’s recount in the court documents described how Brad verbally attacked her. He later “pulled” her into the airplane’s bathroom.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during the 84th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The altercation escalated as Brad allegedly became physical. The situation reportedly worsened, with Brad accused of physically assaulting their children as well.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with their kids at Los Angeles International Airport on February 5, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Angelina’s filing details that “Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face,” caused distress among the siblings, some of whom “pleaded with Pitt to stop” while “many were crying.”
Brad Pitt during the Breitling Squadona Mission event in Beijing, China, on November 20, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
The gravity of these allegations was such that the FBI investigated Brad’s actions on the plane. The investigation concluded with the finding that there was probable cause to charge the actor with a federal crime for his conduct that day. However, the specifics of any legal actions taken following this conclusion were not detailed in Angelina’s claims.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during the premiere of “By the Sea” at the 2015 AFI Fest at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on November 5, 2015 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
This incident was not just a footnote in their ongoing divorce proceedings but has had lasting implications on their negotiations over a winery they owned. The legal battle over Château Miraval, a French winery the couple purchased over a decade ago, became intertwined with these personal allegations.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the ‘Inglourious Basterds’ Premiere during the 62nd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2009 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Angelina argued that the breakdown in negotiations over her share of the winery stemmed from Brad’s demand that she sign a nondisclosure agreement. This agreement would have prevented her from discussing Brad’s alleged abuse outside of court.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the screening of “Maleficent” at Kensington Palace on May 28, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
The ongoing disputes and the public nature of their allegations painted a grim picture of what was once viewed as a glamorous Hollywood romance. Brad’s legal team consistently denied the allegations. They stated that while Brad accepted responsibility for certain actions, he would not accept blame for actions he did not commit.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Oscars held at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, on March 2, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
As the tumultuous divorce saga of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt drew to a lengthy close, recent developments suggested that the couple was finally nearing the end of their intense negotiations.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House in London, England, on February 16, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
After years of legal battles, there appeared to be a significant shift in the custody arrangement, marking a potential resolution to their prolonged dispute. Brad, originally striving for a 50/50 custody share of their six children, reportedly revised his objectives and stepped back from his pursuit of shared custody.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the AFI FEST 2015 in Hollywood | Source: Getty Images
This change of heart was pivotal, signaling a likely end to the custody battle that had captivated public attention. Reports indicated that Angelina would maintain primary physical custody of the children, while Brad would be granted visitation rights.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the premiere of “World War Z” at Sony Centre in Berlin, Germany, on June 4, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
This arrangement underscored a shift towards stabilizing the family dynamics post-divorce, particularly for the younger children still under the age of 18.
Despite the heated legal encounters over the years, Brad embraced moving forward in his personal life. He was once spotted enjoying a romantic getaway with his new girlfriend who was noted to bear a resemblance to Angelina.
