Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, the 18-year-old daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has officially filed to drop her father's surname. This decision, made on her 18th birthday, marks a significant step in her personal journey and reflects the ongoing complexities within the famous family.
Shiloh, born on May 27, 2006, in Swakopmund, Namibia, has decided to be legally recognized as Shiloh Nouvel Jolie. The petition was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, and it signifies a move towards independence and perhaps a closer alignment with her mother, Angelina Jolie. This change comes amidst the protracted and highly publicized divorce proceedings between Jolie and Pitt, which have been ongoing since 2016.
The decision to drop the 'Pitt' surname is not unprecedented within the Jolie-Pitt family. Shiloh's siblings have also made similar choices. Zahara, now 19, introduced herself as Zahara Marley Jolie during a college sorority performance, and Vivienne, 15, was credited as Vivienne Jolie in the playbill for the Broadway musical The Outsiders. These changes suggest a broader trend among the Jolie-Pitt children to distance themselves from their father's name.
The ongoing legal battles between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have undoubtedly influenced these decisions. The couple's divorce has been marred by allegations of abuse, legal disputes over assets, and custody battles. In 2016, Jolie filed for divorce, citing a physical altercation on a private plane involving Pitt and their children. This incident has been a focal point in their legal struggles, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives.
The legal dispute over their Chateau Miraval winery in Provence has further complicated their separation. In February 2022, Pitt sued Jolie for selling her share of the winery without his consent, leading to a counter-complaint from Jolie. These ongoing disputes have kept the family in the public eye and may have contributed to the children's decisions to distance themselves from their father's name.
Brad Pitt's reaction to Shiloh's decision has been one of sadness and disappointment. According to sources, Pitt has expressed that he is upset about Shiloh dropping his last name, as he has always cherished his relationship with his children. Despite the strained family dynamics, Pitt has consistently expressed his love and admiration for his children, dedicating his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood to them and speaking fondly of them in various interviews.
Angelina Jolie, on the other hand, has supported her children's decisions to change their names. Shiloh reportedly hired her own lawyer and paid for the legal process herself, indicating a strong sense of independence and personal agency. Jolie, who herself dropped her father's surname 'Voight' in 2002, understands the significance of such a decision.
The Jolie-Pitt children have grown up in the spotlight, and their choices reflect their desire to carve out their own identities amidst the public scrutiny. As they continue to navigate their paths, their decisions to change their names symbolize a step towards independence and self-definition.
