A Timeline of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Tumultuous Relationship
The relationship between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, often dubbed "Brangelina," captivated the world for over a decade. Their romance, marked by intense passion, public scrutiny, and ultimately, a bitter separation, remains a compelling chapter in Hollywood history. This timeline details the key events and milestones in their relationship, from their initial meeting to their final divorce proceedings.
The Early Days: A Spark Ignites (2004-2005)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie first met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2004. While both were married to other people at the time (Pitt to Jennifer Aniston, Jolie to Billy Bob Thornton), the undeniable chemistry between them was palpable, sparking intense media speculation. The on-screen romance quickly translated into off-screen whispers, fueled by the couple's increasingly public displays of affection and increasingly strained marriages.
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2004: The filming of Mr. & Mrs. Smith begins, marking the first encounter between Pitt and Jolie. Rumors of an affair begin to swirl, generating significant media attention. The intense media scrutiny surrounding their relationship puts immense pressure on both parties.
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2005: Pitt and Aniston separate in January. By the fall of 2005, paparazzi photographs emerge showing Pitt, Jolie, and Jolie's adopted son Maddox together in Africa, solidifying rumors of a relationship. This marks the formal beginning of their public relationship, though its genesis remains steeped in controversy. The tabloid frenzy reaches fever pitch, casting both Pitt and Jolie as villains in the eyes of some segments of the public.
A Family Emerges: Expanding Their World (2006-2011)
The couple chose to move forward amidst the public's judgment, focusing on building a family. Jolie, already a mother to Maddox, adopted Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005. They then welcomed their biological daughter, Shiloh, in 2006. The addition of twins Knox and Vivienne in 2008 further solidified their unconventional family unit.
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2006: Shiloh Jolie-Pitt is born, the couple's first biological child. The birth of their daughter brought a new level of scrutiny, with paparazzi aggressively pursuing images of the family. This intense pursuit further cemented their commitment to privacy, despite the constant public pressure.
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2008: The birth of twins Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt. Their images were sold to a magazine for a record-breaking sum, donated to charity, showcasing the couple's efforts to control their image and, at the same time, manage the intense media attention surrounding their family.
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2010: The couple's global humanitarian efforts and respective careers continued to dominate headlines. Their focus shifted to using their collective influence for charitable causes and advocacy work, emphasizing their humanitarian efforts as a couple.
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2011: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finally became officially engaged. The announcement capped years of intense media coverage and speculation.
Marriage and Growing Challenges (2012-2016)
After years of cohabiting and raising a large family, Pitt and Jolie finally married in a private ceremony in France in 2014. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic life, cracks began to appear.
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2014: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie marry in a small, private ceremony in France. The event is largely kept out of the public eye, signaling the couple's commitment to their privacy. The wedding was a highly anticipated event, and the limited details fueled the media's fascination even further.
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2015 - 2016: Reports of marital difficulties began to surface. The coupleโs joint appearances become less frequent, and tensions are palpable in public sightings.
The Separation and Aftermath (2016 - Present)
In September 2016, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. This shocking announcement sent shockwaves through the media, and a long and complex legal battle ensued.
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2016: Angelina Jolie files for divorce from Brad Pitt, initiating a protracted and highly publicized legal battle. The divorce proceedings highlighted the complexities of their vast combined assets, and the welfare of their children became a central focus. Custody arrangements and financial settlements dragged on for years.
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2017 - 2022: The divorce proceedings continued, marked by ongoing legal disputes concerning custody arrangements and the division of assets. The details of their legal battles were frequently leaked to the press, keeping the drama a constant part of media coverage. Both sides remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for the divorce.
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2023-Present: While the divorce has technically been finalized, the ongoing ramifications continue to resonate. Their children have been a central focus, ensuring their welfare remains a priority. The legacy of Brangelina continues to fuel public fascination, and their story remains a compelling case study in the complexities of fame, family, and celebrity relationships.
The story of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolieโs relationship remains a compelling saga of intense love, overwhelming fame, and ultimately, a heartbreaking separation. Their journey, from the spark ignited on a film set to the complicated legal battles that followed, serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and complexities faced by high-profile couples in the spotlight. Their story, while undeniably a chapter closed, continues to be a topic of ongoing public interest and speculation. The long-lasting impact of their relationship on Hollywood and popular culture is undeniable, and their story will likely continue to be analyzed and discussed for years to come.