In a significant move marking her 18th birthday, Shiloh Jolie Pitt has taken steps to sever ties with her father, actor Brad Pitt, by dropping his surname.

This action underscores the ongoing tensions within the Jolie-Pitt family, particularly between Brad Pitt and his children, with Shiloh hiring a lawyer and independently funding the legal process to change her name, signaling a desire to distance herself from her father, as the Daily Mail reports.

Shiloh turned 18 on May 27, a milestone that saw her filing documents to officially change her name. According to family sources, Shiloh's decision to drop the "Pitt" surname reflects the enduring strain in her relationship with Brad Pitt.

Shiloh's Independent Move Highlights Family Tensions

Shiloh's move to hire and pay for her own lawyer is seen as an assertion of independence.

A source close to the family noted, "Shiloh hired her own lawyer and paid for it herself, so Angie doesn’t know and can’t speak for it." This decision indicates a personal choice that is reportedly devoid of influence from her mother, actress Angelina Jolie.

Ongoing Custody Battles and Allegations

The Jolie-Pitt family's troubles have been well-documented over the years. In 2016, an incident on a private jet led to accusations of Brad Pitt assaulting Angelina Jolie and their children. Although Pitt was cleared of any wrongdoing by the LAPD, the incident exacerbated the rift within the family.

In 2022, an FBI report documented Angelina Jolie’s accusations against Brad Pitt. Despite these accusations, Pitt was not charged, but the incident has had lasting effects on the family dynamics.

Strained Relationships and Failed Reconciliation

Custody battles have further strained the family. In 2021, Brad Pitt was granted temporary 50-50 custody, which was later overturned. A judge also ruled that Angelina must not eavesdrop on Pitt’s calls with the children, highlighting the contentious nature of their co-parenting situation.

Efforts such as "reunification therapy" were ordered to help mend the relationship between Pitt and his children. Despite these efforts, including setting up a skate park and an art studio, Pitt’s attempts at bonding have been unsuccessful.

Children's Distancing and Public Statements

The children, including Pax, Maddox, Zahara, and Vivienne, have also distanced themselves from Brad Pitt. Pax, in a 2016 Instagram post, described how the younger children "tremble with fear" in Pitt’s presence. Zahara, now a student at Spelman College, no longer uses 'Pitt' in her name, and Vivienne is credited as 'Vivienne Jolie' in a musical production.

Angelina Jolie and her children have formed a tight-knit group, often seen together in public. Jolie has referred to her children as her "close friends" and emphasized the healing process they have undergone as a family.

Parental Alienation Accusations and Future Prospects

Accusations of parental alienation have been leveled against Angelina Jolie, suggesting that she has played a role in the children's distancing from their father.

A source close to Pitt expressed sadness over the situation, stating, "This is the result of textbook parental alienation, and it is a great sadness in his life... It is devastating."

Despite the ongoing tensions, Brad Pitt has expressed pride in Shiloh.

At the Bullet Train premiere in 2022, Pitt spoke fondly of her, saying, "It brings a tear to the eye, yeah. I’m Mr. Two-Left-Feet here," indicating his affection despite their estranged relationship.

New Beginnings for Brad Pitt and Shiloh's Future

As Brad Pitt potentially looks to start a new family with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, the prospect of reconciliation with his children seems unlikely. Shiloh, who once went by "John," is currently focused on her dance studies, further pursuing her interests independently of her father's influence.

Shiloh's decision to drop the "Pitt" surname mirrors the choices of her siblings, who have also distanced themselves from father Brad Pitt. Maddox and Pax have similarly removed "Pitt" from their names, underscoring the ongoing family divide.