Brad Pitt is facing another painful family development after his eldest son Maddox reportedly filed to remove the actor’s surname from his name.
According to documents cited by US media, the 24-year-old wants to be known as Maddox Chivan Jolie, instead of using the double-barrelled Jolie-Pitt surname. The reason listed in the paperwork is said to be “personal reasons.”
The move comes nearly 10 years after Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split in what became one of Hollywood’s most bitter and long-running divorces. Maddox had already appeared without the Pitt surname in the credits of a new film linked to Angelina.
A source close to Brad suggested the timing of the report may be connected to a new development in his legal battle with Angelina over their French wine estate, Château Miraval. However, Brad’s representatives have not publicly commented on Maddox’s reported decision.
Maddox is not the only child of the former power couple to distance themselves from the Pitt name. Shiloh previously filed to drop her father’s surname in 2024, while Zahara and Vivienne have also reportedly used Jolie publicly on several occasions.
Brad and Angelina’s marriage was once seen as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous love stories, but it came to an end in 2016 after a controversial private jet incident. Allegations surrounding Brad’s behaviour during the flight deeply damaged family relations.
Their divorce was reportedly finalised in late 2024 after years of legal disputes. Yet the emotional fallout from their split appears to be continuing, particularly in Brad’s relationship with some of his children.
Brad is now dating jewellery designer Ines de Ramon, while Angelina remains focused on her film work, humanitarian efforts and life with her children.
