What’s Behind Maddox Jolie-Pitt's Decision to Drop His Father's Surname?
Maddox Jolie-Pitt's Legal Move Sparks Family Discussions
The ongoing situation involving Brad Pitt and his family has taken an intriguing turn as his son, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, has initiated legal proceedings to remove his surname. This news has ignited a flurry of conversations on social media, with many reflecting on how the family's narrative has shifted from a once-cherished image to a more complex reality. In a contrasting scene, Brad Pitt was recently spotted enjoying a night out in Paris with his girlfriend, Ines De Ramon, highlighting the differing dynamics within the family.
On a late Friday evening, Pitt and De Ramon were seen walking hand-in-hand as they arrived at the Grand Palais restaurant after attending a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. The couple, rumored to have been together since 2024, appeared to be in good spirits, with Pitt sporting a vibrant blue top and purple trousers. De Ramon complemented his outfit with a lacy white blouse and beige pants, accessorized with brown heels and a chic dark brown handbag, as reported by a media outlet.
Maddox's choice to change his name comes amid various family developments that have attracted media attention. Reports indicate that he cited personal reasons for his petition, which has been a hot topic this week. This decision follows a similar move by his sister, Zahara Marley Jolie, who also chose to drop the 'Pitt' surname during her college graduation ceremony earlier this month.
The rift within the family seems to be widening, as Maddox and Zahara are not the only siblings distancing themselves from the Pitt name. Vivienne and Shiloh, also children of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, have been publicly using only the Jolie surname, further signaling a shift in their family identity.
In a significant moment, Zahara graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College on May 17, 2026. Although her name was officially listed as 'Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt' in the program, she opted to omit 'Pitt' during the ceremony, a decision that was broadcasted in a YouTube live stream from her school. This series of name changes among the siblings highlights the ongoing complexities within the family, contrasting sharply with the once-unified public image they projected.