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Two more of Brad Pitt's children have taken formal steps to remove his surname from their legal identities, marking another significant chapter in the long and complicated aftermath of one of Hollywood's most public family breakups.
Court documents filed in California show that Zahara, 21, and Maddox, 24, have each applied to legally drop "Pitt" from their names. If approved, Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt would become Zahara Marley Jolie, while Maddox would also remove Pitt from his surname. Both applications reportedly cite personal reasons.
The developments come nearly a decade after Pitt and Angelina Jolie ended their marriage. Although the former couple finalized their divorce at the end of 2024, disputes connected to their family and shared business interests continue to attract public attention.
Under California law, both Zahara and Maddox published notices of their intended name changes in the Los Angeles Daily Journal for four consecutive weeks. If no objections are filed, judges are expected to rule on the requests later this year.
The move follows a pattern that has emerged among several of the former couple's children. In 2024, daughter Shiloh petitioned to legally remove Pitt from her surname. During the same year, Vivienne appeared in the playbill of the Broadway production The Outsiders under the name Vivienne Jolie.
The family's strained relationships have often been linked to events surrounding a private flight in September 2016. Following the journey, Jolie filed for divorce. Allegations later surfaced regarding Pitt's behavior during the flight, including claims of verbal abuse and physical confrontation. Pitt was investigated but was never arrested or charged.
In subsequent legal filings connected to the couple's dispute over Château Miraval, Jolie alleged that Pitt had physically mistreated members of the family during the incident. Pitt has denied many of the accusations while acknowledging responsibility for certain actions.
The public nature of the conflict has kept the family in headlines for years, often overshadowing their professional achievements. While neither Zahara nor Maddox has publicly elaborated on their decisions, the legal filings suggest a desire to establish identities separate from their father's surname.
For many observers, the applications represent more than a legal procedure. They reflect the enduring impact of family disputes and the challenges of navigating personal relationships under intense public scrutiny.
As the courts consider the requests, the decisions could further redefine the public image of one of Hollywood's most recognized families.
