Summary (tl;dr)

Brad Pitt is trending after revealing in a recent interview that he is no longer completely sober after seven years, stating he now consumes alcohol in moderation.

Essential Background

Brad Pitt began his journey to sobriety in 2016 following his highly publicized divorce from Angelina Jolie, which reportedly stemmed from an alcohol-fueled incident on a private plane. He openly discussed his struggles with alcohol, admitting he couldn't recall a day since college when he wasn't drinking or using substances, and credited his time in an all-male Alcoholics Anonymous recovery group for his initial sobriety. He also publicly thanked fellow actor Bradley Cooper for his support during this period. During this challenging time, Pitt also experienced a period of suicidal thoughts amidst his "family stuff" and estrangement from his children.

The Full Story

Brad Pitt is currently trending after revealing in a new interview with Esquire, published around August 10-11, 2026, that he has resumed drinking alcohol after approximately seven years of sobriety. He clarified that he is now drinking "in a more restrained manner" and "not in big quantities," capable of having "a few" glasses of wine but not a lot. This candid admission was made during an interview conducted at his Los Angeles home, where he reportedly offered the interviewer wine. Pitt also spoke about experiencing a brief period of suicidal thoughts during the tumultuous fallout from his split with Angelina Jolie and the ongoing "family stuff" related to his children.

Why It Matters

This news is significant as it offers a deeply personal insight into a public figure's ongoing journey with addiction and mental health, a topic that resonates with many. Pitt's initial decision to get sober was widely reported and seen as a positive step, so this update provides a more complex picture of recovery, highlighting that it is often not a linear process. His openness about returning to drinking in moderation, alongside his past struggles with suicidal thoughts and family issues, sparks discussion about the nuances of sobriety, personal well-being, and the immense pressures faced by celebrities.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of Esquire interview where Brad Pitt made his sobriety revelation)
• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (destination of the private plane incident involving Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 2016)
• Virtual/Online (Alcoholics Anonymous recovery group meetings attended by Brad Pitt)