HOLLYWOOD, CA — Brad Pitt has spoken candidly about what he calls the most difficult chapter of his life: his fractured relationship with his six children following his long and public custody battle with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. In an emotional and unusually honest interview, the star admitted that years of legal turmoil have taken a deep and lasting toll on his family.
“My kids don’t call me back sometimes,” Pitt said quietly. “And that hurts. But I understand why. There’s been so much noise, so much pain — things that no family should have to go through in public.”
The 61-year-old actor has spent the past seven years navigating custody disputes stemming from his 2016 split with Jolie. A previously sealed 2022 court transcript that leaked earlier this year reignited public attention on their turbulent past, inevitably reopening old wounds for Pitt.
“I’ve made mistakes, I’ve owned them, and now I’m just trying to rebuild, slowly,” he reflected. “It’s hard when every step forward feels like it’s followed by two steps back.”
Rebuilding Amidst the Noise
Pitt shares six children with Jolie—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. While he acknowledges that some of his children have reportedly distanced themselves in recent years, he remains hopeful about eventual reconciliation.
“They’re smart, kind, and strong,” he said. “I don’t expect forgiveness overnight. I just want them to know I’m here, always. No matter what they’ve heard, no matter what’s been said—I love them more than anything.”
The actor credited therapy and sobriety with helping him find personal peace and clarity after years of struggling. “There was a time when I used alcohol to numb the pain,” he admitted. “Now, I face it. I sit with it. And it’s not easy—but it’s honest. That’s the only way I can move forward.”
Focus on Fatherhood
Part of Pitt’s healing has involved stepping away from Hollywood’s spotlight, focusing on personal pursuits like art, architecture, and his Château Miraval winery in France. He views the quiet as a necessary part of his recovery and reflection.
“When you strip away the fame, the noise, the judgment — you’re just a dad trying to be better. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to be,” he explained.
Despite the distance in some of his relationships, Pitt insists he hasn’t given up hope.
“Time doesn’t heal everything, but it gives you the chance to show up differently,” he stated. “If one day they pick up the phone and want to talk, I’ll be here—with open arms and no expectations.”
After seven years of public scrutiny and personal challenges, Pitt says his priorities have never been clearer. “I don’t care about winning or losing anymore,” he concluded. “The only victory I want is to be part of my kids’ lives again.”