Summary (tl;dr)

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the 18-year-old daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has legally filed to drop "Pitt" from her surname, opting to be known as Vivienne Marcheline Jolie, following a similar path taken by several of her siblings.

Essential Background

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once a prominent Hollywood couple, separated in 2016, leading to a protracted and contentious divorce that was finalized in late 2024. This split and the subsequent legal battles have reportedly caused significant tension within the family. Over the past few years, several of their children have publicly or legally begun to distance themselves from the Pitt surname. For instance, Vivienne was credited as "Vivienne Jolie" in the Playbill for the Broadway production of "The Outsiders" in 2024, where she worked with her mother. Her older siblings, Shiloh, Zahara, and Maddox, have also pursued similar name changes or publicly used only "Jolie."

The Full Story

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt recently filed a legal petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court to formally change her name to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie. This petition was submitted shortly after her 18th birthday on July 12th, a significant milestone that, under California law, allows her to make such a decision independently. The stated reason for the name change in the court documents is "personal," and a hearing for the petition is scheduled for November 2nd. This action by Vivienne continues a pattern among her siblings, further highlighting the ongoing family dynamics since her parents' divorce.

Why It Matters

This trend is significant as it publicly underscores the strained relationship between Brad Pitt and his children, and the lasting impact of his high-profile divorce from Angelina Jolie. The repeated decision by the children to drop their father's surname is viewed by some as a direct reflection of "past pain and trauma" experienced within the family. Conversely, sources close to Brad Pitt have suggested that Angelina Jolie is responsible for creating a rift between him and their children. The name changes are a notable development in the ongoing public narrative surrounding one of Hollywood's most recognized former couples.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (legal petition filed and hearing scheduled)