Maddox Jolie-Pitt "Hasn't Been Receptive" to Brad Pitt's Attempts to Reconcile

Things between Maddox Jolie-Pitt and his dad (and Angeleina Jolie's ex) Brad Pitt remain strained, and time hasn't changed anything, Us Weekly reports.

Hair, Face, Facial hair, Chin, Forehead, Nose, Eyewear, Eyebrow, Beard, Glasses,
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie's oldest son Maddox Jolie-Pitt is now attending college in South Korea, and remains very close with his mother, whom he flew to Tokyo last week to see and support at her Maleficent: Mistress of Evil premiere there. But things between his dad (and Jolie's ex) Brad Pitt remain strained, and time hasn't changed anything. Us Weekly was told by a source that Jolie "has been trying to heal the rift between father and son," but her efforts weren't going anywhere.

“Maddox hasn’t been receptive [to them],” the source said. “And for Brad, it’s a tremendous loss.” A source previously told Us that "Maddox doesn’t really see himself as Brad’s son."

What caused things to get so bad? Pitt reportedly got into an altercation with Maddox on a private plane in 2016; it was that incident that led Jolie to file for divorce. It also had a lasting effect on Pitt's relationship with Maddox.

'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' Japan Premiere

'Maddox with Angelina and his sister Zahara in Tokyo last week. '

(Image credit: Christopher Jue)

Pitt's relationship with his and Jolie's second oldest child, Pax, 15, is also strained. Pitt is hoping Maddox being away helps change that. “With Maddox overseas, Brad is also hopeful that Pax will also be interested in reconnecting without the influence of his older brother,” the source said.

Maddox has spoken about his dad...tactfully, but in a way that made it very clear they aren't close. Maddox was asked by a street paparazzo in September whether Pitt would be visiting him at Yonsei University, his college. “I don’t know about that, what’s happening,” he replied. The reporter then asked if his relationship with Pitt was over for good. “Whatever happens, happens," Maddox replied.

Meanwhile, Jolie had glowing things to say about Maddox during her London Maleficent 2 premiere. She told Entertainment Tonight that she is proud of who Maddox is becoming as a young man. "I'm so happy for him that [Maddox has] grown up into such a good man," she said. "I say that 'cause he's smart and he's doing his work but he's also wild. He's balanced in his teenage years." She added to the outlet: "He got tattooed."

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

RELATED STORIES

Maddox Jolie Pitt-Brad Pitt

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Alyssa Bailey
News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.