Shiloh Jolie-Pitt’s bid to legally drop her father’s name has hit a stumbling block, adding another chapter to the complex saga of her parents’ high-profile divorce. Still, the move to get rid of Brad’s surname has left the actor “upset.”
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the teen daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt won’t be dropping her father’s name just yet. Her appeal hearing has been postponed to a later date.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the premiere of “Maleficent : Mistress of Evil” on October 7, 2019, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
On Monday 29, the hearing to review Shiloh’s request was postponed due to technical hiccups. According to Shiloh’s lawyer, Peter Levine, the delay happened because the court hadn’t completed all the necessary background checks. Now, the rescheduled hearing is set for August 19.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the “Eternals” UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“Unfortunately, the court was unable to complete the background check ahead of today’s hearing, so the hearing was rescheduled for August 19,” Peter said. The attorney explained that such delays are fairly routine, given the many name-change requests and the extensive background checks involved.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the Los Angeles premiere of MSNBC Films’ “Paper & Glue: A JR Project” at Museum Of Tolerance on November 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Shiloh filed for the name change on her 18th birthday and even footed her own legal bill. She is aiming to go from Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie. The move first came to light in May, with a legal notice appearing in the Los Angeles Times on June 17, June 24, July 1, and July 8.
Her attorney highlighted the gravity of Shiloh’s decision and urged the media to tread carefully when covering such personal and independent choices made by young adults.
Angelina Jolie and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt at Maison Estelle on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Peter also reminded everyone that California law mandates publishing name-change requests in a widely circulated newspaper, which is why the notice was required. Meanwhile, sources close to Brad Pitt reveal that the actor is “aware and upset” about the name change.
While Shiloh’s request to drop her dad’s name has made headlines, the teen appears to be channeling her energy into perfecting her dancing skills. Choreographer Kolanie Marks, who has been working with Shiloh, recently opened up about their sessions.
Angelina Jolie and Shiloh Jolie Pitt attend the red carpet of the movie “Eternals” during the 16th Rome Film Fest 2021 on October 24, 2021, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Kolanie, who first met Shiloh at the Millenium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, praised her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic. He highlighted that his dance style is challenging, but Shiloh’s commitment to mastering it has been impressive.
Despite the intensity of their training, Kolanie maintains a strict professional focus during their sessions, keeping discussions centered solely on dance and not on Shiloh’s high-profile parents. “That’s something I don’t talk to her about,” Kolanie explains. “I keep it very strictly based on what we focus on, which is the dancing.”
Despite the legal battles and media scrutiny, Shiloh seems determined to shine on her own terms. The upcoming dancer is the fourth-oldest child of Angelina and Brad. The former couple, also share sons, Maddox, 22, and Pax, 20, daughter, Zahara, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16.
Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina Jolie, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie Pitt during the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Since Brad and Angelina’s split in 2016, the actor has reportedly had limited interactions with his older children. However, he still maintains visits with the younger ones.
Additionally, it seems the former couple’s other kids have also chosen to drop Brad’s surname. Shiloh’s sisters, Vivienne and Zahara, have also reportedly omitted “Pitt” on separate occasions.
Angelina Jolie, daughters Zahara and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attend the gala screening of “The Eternals” at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
In May, the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders” listed Vivienne as “Vivienne Jolie,” notably without “Pitt.” This name change marked a significant step in Vivienne’s evolving public identity.
In the musical, Vivienne works as a production assistant, and her mother, Angelina, is the producer. The two have even been seen together during the musical’s promotional tour.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attends the opening night of “The Outsiders” at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In November 2023, the exes’ other daughter, Zahara joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Spelman College. A video shared by Essence showed Zahara’s new sorority sisters cheering as she took center stage.
She proudly announced, “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie,” seemingly dropping her dad’s last name before dancing and flipping her hair.
This name change comes amid ongoing legal battles between Angelina and Brad. The two have been embroiled in disputes over their shared ownership of a French winery and allegations of abuse, placing considerable emotional and financial strain on the family.
Angelina filed for divorce in 2016, and the court declared them legally single in 2019. They established a joint custody arrangement in 2021, which remains a significant aspect of their post-divorce legal struggles.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend a private reception at Kensington Palace on May 8, 2014, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Adding to the couple’s legal drama, earlier court documents suggest Angelina Jolie may have contributed to the strained relationship between Brad and their children.
The claims against Angelina surfaced through Tony Webb, owner of SRS Global, a security company that provided her with personal protection from 2000 to 2020. Tony shared insights based on his two decades of experience working with Angelina.
Angelina Jolie during the Service of Commemoration and Dedication at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on June 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
“One of the two individuals, Ross Foster, specified that he intended to testify regardless of the NDA if he received a court subpoena,” Webb stated. He further revealed disturbing details about the potential testimony.
Angelina Jolie at the ICC in The Hague on May 19, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
“When Mr. Foster told me this, he also told me that if asked, he would testify about statements he overheard that Ms. Jolie made to the children, encouraging them to avoid spending time with Mr. Pitt during custody visits,” he claimed.
This revelation sparked a fierce reaction across social media platforms, with many expressing dismay at Angelina. Others showed concern over the potential impact on the Jolie-Pitt children.
Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt, Brad Pitt, and Maddox Pitt walking at the seafront promenade in Mumbai on November 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
“The fact that she cannot see the harm this is doing to their kids is just shocking,” one person commented. This was echoed by another commenter who noted, “It’s probably why Shiloh is moving in with her father now… She’s realized her mother is vindictive and has been trying to alienate them from Brad for years.”
Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina Jolie, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
One called Angelina’s alleged move “the worse possible thing a person can do… alienate their children from a parent.” Meanwhile, another declared “Shame on her.”
Angelina Jolie, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at Haneda Airport on June 21, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images
The debate over Angelina’s actions led some to reflect on the cyclical nature of such behavior, attributing it to her tumultuous upbringing. “Her childhood was similar from what I read. Maybe she can’t break that perpetual cycle or doesn’t want to,” one claimed.
Brad Pitt, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on July 30, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images
Despite the public’s critical perception, Angelina has continually strived to embody the role of a nurturing, attentive mother. This is, a commitment deeply rooted in the lessons taught by her own mom.
In a candid revelation made back in 2011, Angelina shared insights into her parenting approach, which is heavily influenced by the relationship she cherished with her mother. Angelina emphasized the importance of not just being a parent but also a friend to her children.
Angelina Jolie, Marcheline Bertrand, and Jacqueline Bisset at the premiere of her new film “Original Sin” in West Hollywood, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
She highlighted the invaluable connection she experienced through open communication and shared activities with her mother. This foundation has guided her in fostering a similar bond with her children, ensuring that despite their diverse backgrounds, they feel united as a family.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Knox Jolie-Pitt during the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil European Premiere held at Imax Waterloo in London on October 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Remembering her mother’s gentle spirit and unwavering generosity, Angelina aspires to emulate these traits. Her aim is clear: to be as good a mother to her children as her mother was to her.