In a move reflecting her desire for individuality and independence, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the 18-year-old daughter of Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has filed legal documents requesting to drop her father’s surname from her own hyphenated surname. The teenager, who celebrated her milestone birthday on May 27, submitted the paperwork on the same day, seeking to be known simply as “Shiloh Jolie.”
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Knox Jolie-Pitt attend the The Eternals premiere in October 2021. – Getty Images
The Jolie-Pitt Family Dynamics
Shiloh is one of six children shared by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The couple’s other children include 15-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox, as well as three adopted children: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Zahara, 19. This development marks a significant moment in the Jolie-Pitt family, highlighting the evolving dynamics between the children and their parents, especially amid the backdrop of Brad and Angelina’s high-profile divorce and ongoing legal battles.
Angelina Jolie and Daughter Vivienne step out to celebrate their Broadway show in April 2024. – Entertainment Tonight
Brad and Angelina’s relationship, which began in 2005 after their collaboration on the film “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” was marked by public scrutiny from the outset. Following Brad’s divorce from Jennifer Aniston, the couple tied the knot in 2014 but separated in 2016 after an alleged altercation during a flight. Since then, their legal battle has been lengthy and contentious, often bringing their children into the spotlight.
Shiloh’s Path to Independence
Shiloh’s decision to legally change her name seems to reflect her pursuit of a unique identity, separate from the heavy legacy of her famous parents. A source close to the family revealed, “Shiloh is an exceptionally talented dancer, displaying both dedication and hard work. She doesn’t rely on her famous name to achieve her goals. Shi is a sincere and straightforward person who never uses her celebrity status to her advantage.”
This sentiment was echoed by Brad Pitt in a 2022 interview with ET, where he praised Shiloh’s love for dance and performance. “It brings a tear to the eye, yeah,” Brad said, adding with a laugh, “I don’t know where she got it from. I’m Mr. Two-Left-Feet here.” He also expressed his hope that his children would find their own paths and flourish in their interests.
Siblings Following Suit
Interestingly, Shiloh is not the first of Brad and Angelina’s children to step away from the “Pitt” surname in public forums. Her younger sister, Vivienne, recently co-produced the Broadway production of “The Outsiders” alongside Angelina, and was credited as “Vivienne Jolie.” Similarly, Zahara, who recently joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie” during an introduction ceremony.
However, Shiloh is the first to take the legal steps to make this change official. This move mirrors Angelina Jolie’s own history, as she legally dropped her father Jon Voight’s surname in 2002 following a long estrangement.
The Ongoing Legal Battle
The Jolie-Pitt family has been at the center of media attention not only due to their celebrity status but also because of the ongoing legal disputes between Brad and Angelina. Recent court documents have highlighted the strained relationship between Brad and his children. Brad’s lawyers have alleged that Angelina instructed the children not to speak to their father during custody visits, a claim Angelina’s representatives have strongly denied. Additionally, Angelina’s legal team has accused Brad of physical abuse, citing an incident on a plane in 2016 as a pivotal moment leading to their divorce. Brad was investigated but never charged.