Angelina Jolie has opened up about the heavy emotional toll of her prolonged divorce from Brad Pitt, which was finally settled last week after eight long years. In a revealing interview, the actress shared her fears that her inner “light’s dimmed” during the struggle. She expressed relief that the contentious legal proceedings have finally come to a close, allowing her to focus on healing and rediscovering her creative passion.
A Creative Outlet during a Dark Time
Jolie, 49, revealed that taking on the role of opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic *Maria* was a vital part of her recovery. She described the challenging part as a “gift” that helped her confront her fears and reawaken her passion for performance art.
The project appears to have been a form of therapy for the actress. “Doing something that scared me was the greatest gift,” Jolie stated. The parallels between her own life under intense public scrutiny and that of Callas, a woman who also fiercely protected her privacy, have added a noticeable depth to her portrayal, according to early critical buzz.
Jolie has often used her work as a refuge during difficult personal times. This experience was no different, as she found a new sense of purpose while bringing the iconic and tumultuous life of Maria Callas to the big screen.
The End of a Bitter Eight-Year Battle
The finalization of the divorce marks the end of a highly public and often bitter legal saga that began in 2016. For eight years, the former Hollywood power couple was locked in disputes over the custody of their six children and the division of their extensive property.
Court documents from the proceedings brought to light harrowing details of an alleged incident on a private plane in 2016. Jolie accused Pitt of being physically and verbally abusive toward her and two of their children. While Pitt has consistently denied these allegations, the claims deeply affected the family dynamic.
The resolution of the divorce allows both stars to finally close this difficult chapter.
How the Children Influenced the Outcome
According to sources close to the family, Jolie’s six children were a major source of strength and motivation for her throughout the ordeal. They reportedly encouraged their mother to stand her ground and speak her truth.
An insider shared that the children wanted their mother to defend herself against what they saw as an imbalance of power. The source noted:
- Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne (16) were instrumental in her decision-making.
- They have reportedly grown up with an awareness of how “power and privilege can silence voices.”
- The older children, in particular, have been a significant support system for Jolie.
Their resilience and encouragement played a crucial role in helping their mother navigate the complexities of the public and private battle.
Pitt and Jolie Look to Separate Futures
For Brad Pitt, 61, the settlement offers a chance to move forward without the constant weight of the legal fight. He is reportedly relieved to begin 2025 with a fresh start. His relationship with Ines de Ramon, which began in 2022, is said to be a stabilizing force in his life, and the couple is looking toward a future together.
While custody and divorce terms are settled, one major issue remains. The couple is still in a dispute over their French winery, Château Miraval, which is valued at millions of dollars. This ongoing legal fight shows the lingering complications of their separation.
Angelina Jolie is now focused on healing and rebuilding. She is channeling her energy into her film work, her extensive philanthropic efforts with refugees, and, most importantly, supporting her children as they enter adulthood.
