After nearly a decade of bitter legal battles, emotional turmoil, and public speculation, Brad Pitt has finally broken his silence on the end of his long-running divorce from actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie — offering rare insight into the toll the eight-year ordeal has taken on his life and family.

A Divorce That Shook Hollywood

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie — once dubbed “Brangelina,” Hollywood’s golden couple — officially filed for divorce in 2016 after two years of marriage and more than a decade together. What followed was one of the most high-profile and emotionally charged separations in entertainment history, involving child custody disputes, property division, and ongoing legal confrontations over their joint business ventures.

Though both stars remained tight-lipped in public for years, it was widely reported that their divorce was deeply contentious, especially regarding custody of their six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne.

Now, eight years later, with several issues finally resolved or nearing conclusion, Brad Pitt has opened up in a recent interview, offering his perspective on the emotional and personal cost of the split.

Brad: “It Was a War I Never Wanted”

Speaking to Vanity Fair in a candid cover story, Pitt, now 61, admitted that the past eight years had been the most painful period of his life.

“It wasn’t just a divorce — it was a war,” Pitt said. “And I never wanted a war. I wanted peace, especially for my kids.”

Pitt explained that the breakdown of his marriage and the public nature of the legal battle left him feeling isolated and broken.

“There were days I didn’t recognize myself. The man in the tabloids — that wasn’t me. But I also had to face some hard truths about who I was and who I needed to become.”

Working Toward Healing

Over the years, Pitt has taken steps to address his personal struggles, including seeking therapy, quitting drinking, and focusing on more grounded, meaningful projects. He credits these changes to the deep introspection the divorce forced him into.

“I had to strip everything back,” he shared. “I had to rebuild my life — not as a movie star, but as a father, as a man.”

Despite limited contact with some of his older children, Pitt says he remains hopeful about rebuilding those relationships. “Time and love — that’s all I can offer,” he said. “I hope one day they’ll understand I never stopped trying.”

On Angelina Jolie

In a move that surprised many, Pitt spoke respectfully of Jolie, acknowledging both the complexity of their history and the shared bond of their children.

“We loved each other. We created a family. And even though we couldn’t stay together, I’ll always respect her as the mother of my kids.”

He also hinted that while the legal battles have been harsh, he is ready to move on without resentment, calling forgiveness “a necessary step toward peace.”

“You can’t carry anger forever. It poisons everything. I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Settlement and What Comes Next

While not all details are public, sources close to the case say that significant progress has been made in recent months, with custody agreements and financial settlements mostly finalized. The pair have reportedly agreed on the future of Château Miraval — the French winery that became a central point of legal conflict.

Pitt, who is currently filming a Formula One-inspired movie and producing through his company Plan B, says he’s ready to focus on his next chapter — one that’s “less about headlines and more about healing.”

“I’ve made peace with the past,” he said. “Now I want to live fully — for myself and for my kids.”

Public Reaction

Fans and media outlets have reacted with empathy to Pitt’s remarks, noting the vulnerability and honesty in his words. Social media platforms were flooded with support, with many praising his willingness to take accountability and speak openly about emotional pain — especially as a male figure in Hollywood.

Mental health advocates also highlighted the importance of Pitt’s message. “This is the kind of transparency we need from public figures,” said one therapist. “It normalizes healing, growth, and moving forward.”

A Quiet New Life

These days, Brad Pitt lives a more private, quieter life in Los Angeles, focused on film, sculpture, architecture, and family. Though the road has been long and painful, he now appears ready to step out of the shadows of the divorce and into a more peaceful, purposeful future.

“I lost years to pain, to anger,” he concluded. “But I didn’t lose myself. I’m still here — and I’m better for it.”