Vivienne, the youngest daughter of Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie (51) and Brad Pitt (62), has taken legal steps to distance herself from her father's famous surname. According to court documents obtained by US media, the 18-year-old filed a petition in Los Angeles to change her legal name from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to simply Vivienne Marcheline Jolie. The paperwork, submitted in late August 2024, lists "personal reasons" as the justification for the change, with a hearing scheduled for early November.

A Pattern Among the Jolie-Pitt Children

Vivienne is not the first of the couple's six children to seek a name change. In May 2024, her older sister Shiloh, who turned 18 in May, successfully petitioned to drop the Pitt surname. Shiloh's name is now legally Shiloh Nouvel Jolie. Additionally, Zahara (19) and Maddox (23) have pending petitions to have their names changed to Zahara Marley Jolie and Maddox Chivan Jolie, respectively. Their hearings are expected in September 2024. Pax (20) and Knox (18) have not yet filed but have been seen using the Jolie surname in public appearances.

The coordinated move by the older children appears to be a deliberate step toward aligning themselves exclusively with their mother's identity. Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences and alleging physical and emotional abuse during a private jet flight in which Pitt was accused of grabbing one of the children and yelling at Jolie. The incident led to an FBI investigation, but no charges were filed. The acrimonious split has since played out in courtrooms, with fierce battles over custody and division of assets.

Legal and Personal Implications

Name changes for minors typically require consent from both parents, but adult children—over 18—can petition independently. Vivienne, having turned 18 in July 2024, now has the legal right to do so. Her filing does not require Brad Pitt's approval. The judge will likely approve the petition pending a routine hearing, similar to Shiloh's case. Legal experts note that such changes are rarely denied if no objections are raised, but Pitt could theoretically contest the move. However, sources close to the family indicate that Pitt has not interfered with the children's decisions.

The name change is more than symbolic. It reflects a deep rift within the family, where the children have publicly aligned with Angelina Jolie. In interviews over the years, Jolie has described the children as her "closest confidants" and stated that they are aware of the difficult circumstances surrounding the separation. Vivienne, who appeared with her mother at several red-carpet events, including the premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, has chosen to forge her own identity separate from her father's Hollywood legacy.

Background on the Jolie-Pitt Family Dynamics

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie began their relationship in 2005 on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. They had three biological children: Shiloh (born 2006) and twins Knox and Vivienne (born 2008). Jolie also adopted Maddox from Cambodia in 2002 (before meeting Pitt), Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005, and Pax from Vietnam in 2007. Pitt adopted all three after their marriage in 2014. The family was famously photographed by the paparazzi as the "Brangelina" clan, often traveling with their six children.

However, the fairy tale unraveled in 2016. During a flight from France to California, an argument erupted. Jolie later claimed that Pitt was intoxicated and became physically aggressive toward her and two of the children. Pitt later said he regretted his behavior and entered AA, stating he had a problem with alcohol. The children witnessed the incident, and according to court records, one child told police: "I was scared." The FBI interviewed all parties but ultimately declined to prosecute. The divorce was finalized in 2019, but custody and financial disputes dragged on until 2024, when a settlement was reached regarding the Château Miraval winery they co-owned.

Children's Growing Independence

As the children have reached adulthood, they have increasingly taken steps to define their lives separate from both parents. Maddox studied biochemistry in South Korea; Pax has pursued art; Zahara attended Spelman College in Atlanta; Shiloh has expressed interest in dance; Vivienne has been involved in theater and advocacy for immigrant children; Knox remains the most private. The name changes are part of this maturation process, but the timing suggests a coordinated stance against their father.

Neither Angelina Jolie nor Brad Pitt has publicly commented on Vivienne's filing. However, a source close to Jolie told People magazine that the actress "supports her children's choices completely." Another insider said Pitt is "saddened but respects their decisions and loves them unconditionally." The public relations machine around both stars has been careful to avoid further inflaming the situation, though tabloids continue to speculate about the family's estrangement.

Broader Impact on Celebrity Name Changes

The Jolie-Pitt name change saga has drawn attention to the legal process for adults to change surnames. In California, the process is straightforward: an adult files a petition, publishes a notice in a local newspaper (unless waived for safety reasons), and attends a hearing. The cost is typically under $500. For celebrities like the Jolie-Pitt children, the publication requirement is often waived to protect privacy. Vivienne's case will likely proceed without public objection.

The move also highlights the lasting impact of high-conflict divorces on children. Psychologists note that when children change their surnames, it can be a way to reject a toxic parent or align with the custodial parent. In this case, the children have always lived primarily with Jolie, and Pitt's visits were reportedly supervised for a time. The children have described their mother as their primary caregiver and emotional support.

As of mid-2024, the name changes do not affect inheritance or trust funds. Brad Pitt's estimated net worth is around $400 million, and he has set up trusts for each child. However, sources indicate that the children remain on good terms with their father's family, including Pitt's parents, who live in Missouri. The estrangement appears to be primarily directed at Pitt himself.

Media and Public Reaction

The news of Vivienne's filing broke on August 28, 2024, and quickly trended on social media. Reactions have been mixed. Some fans express sympathy for Brad Pitt, who has faced a difficult public fallout. Others support the children's right to choose their own identity, especially given the allegations of abuse. Memes comparing the name drop to a "power move" by Angelina Jolie have circulated, though no direct evidence links Jolie to the children's decisions. Representatives for both actors have declined to comment further.

The story also reignites interest in the 2016 incident. New details have emerged from court documents in the Château Miraval lawsuit, including text messages where Pitt apparently admitted to yelling at the children. These documents were unsealed in 2023, providing a fuller picture of the family turmoil. Vivienne's name change thus becomes another chapter in a public saga that has captivated the world for nearly a decade.

In the end, the children's actions speak for themselves: one by one, they are severing the legal connection to their father's widely recognized surname. Whether this reflects personal choice or a unified family strategy, it underscores the deep and lasting pain that can accompany a celebrity divorce. As the November hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Los Angeles courthouse where Vivienne will take her final step toward becoming just Vivienne Jolie.

Source: DIE WELT News