
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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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.
'Maddox with Angelina and his sister Zahara in Tokyo last week. '
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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
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.
-
Eyeshadow Sticks Are a Makeup Beginner's Best Friend
Rich, lasting color with a single swipe.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The Spring 2023 Color Trend Report
Yup, hot pink makes an appearance.
By Emma Childs
-
Ashton Kutcher Was "F***ing Pissed" When Ex Demi Moore's Memoir Came Out
She made a lot of revelations about him.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors