As the dust settles on the infamous divorce saga of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, new revelations have emerged, shedding light on Jennifer Aniston’s emotional parting words to Jolie back in 2005. What was meant to be a polite exchange between two of Hollywood’s leading ladies turned into a pivotal moment in one of the most talked-about celebrity controversies. With the divorce deal between Pitt and Jolie finally concluded, let’s take a closer look at how these events unfolded.
The First Encounter: Jennifer Aniston Meets Angelina Jolie
In a 2005 interview with Vanity Fair, Jennifer Aniston opened up about her first and only meeting with Angelina Jolie at the time. The encounter took place on the set of Friends, where Aniston, ever the professional, introduced herself to Jolie. The encounter was cordial, yet it marked the beginning of a chain of events that would soon become the subject of global media scrutiny.
Aniston recalled saying, “Brad is so excited about working with you. I hope you guys have a really good time,” referring to her then-husband Brad Pitt, who had been thrilled to star alongside Jolie in the action-packed film Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
The Cracks in Aniston and Pitt’s Marriage
Behind the scenes, however, Aniston and Pitt’s marriage was facing increasing tension. At the time of their separation, Aniston was dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of Friends wrapping up after its successful ten-season run, all while feeling the emotional distance growing between her and Pitt.
“He was gone,” Aniston shared, describing how her husband had emotionally withdrawn from their relationship. When she sought support, she was met with silence — Pitt was even absent for the final taping of Friends. “He just wasn’t there for me,” she revealed in her candid interview.
The Shock Heard Around the World: The Birth of Brangelina
What followed was one of the most public breakups in Hollywood history. Just three months after their legal separation in January 2005, the world was shocked by photos of Pitt and Jolie together on a beach in Kenya, where they were seen with Jolie’s adopted son, Maddox. These intimate photos confirmed the rumors that Pitt and Jolie were officially a couple, a pairing that quickly became known as “Brangelina.”
The public’s reaction was swift and overwhelming, with Aniston admitting to being completely shocked by the photos. “The world was shocked, and I was shocked,” Aniston admitted when recalling her first glimpse of the paparazzi images.
The False Narrative of “Career Over Children”
At the time of their divorce, one of the most damaging rumors circulating about Aniston was that she had chosen her career over having children with Pitt. This narrative frustrated Aniston, who vehemently denied it.
“A man divorcing would never be accused of choosing career over children,” she said, expressing her anger at the double standards women often face. She further clarified, “I’ve never in my life said I didn’t want to have children. I did and I do and I will!”
Aniston made it clear that her ambition to balance a career and motherhood was important to her, and she never saw those as mutually exclusive. “The women that inspire me are the ones who have careers and children; why would I want to limit myself? I’ve always wanted to have children, and I would never give up that experience for a career,” she stated firmly.
Brangelina: A Decade of Romance and Family
While Aniston’s heartbreak became public, Pitt and Jolie’s relationship quickly blossomed. The couple went on to have a family together, adopting multiple children and eventually having their biological daughter, Shiloh, in 2006. Their romance was fast-paced, with the two officially tying the knot in 2014, a decade after they first met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
However, despite their seemingly perfect union, their relationship soon faced its own set of challenges. After years of custody disputes over their six children and ongoing legal battles over their assets, the couple announced their divorce in 2016, after just two years of marriage.
The Long, Painful Divorce Battle
The divorce battle between Pitt and Jolie lasted much longer than their actual marriage. The media frenzy, public opinion, and court disputes became an almost constant backdrop to their separation. Throughout it all, the focus remained on the custody of their six children, which became one of the most contentious parts of the divorce.
By December 2024, after nearly eight years of legal wrangling, the former couple reached a divorce settlement, officially closing a chapter in one of Hollywood’s most dramatic celebrity splits. Jolie’s lawyer, James Simon of Hersh Mannis, explained that while Angelina was “exhausted,” she was finally relieved that one part of the divorce was now over.
The End of an Era: What’s Next for Jolie and Pitt?
With their divorce settlement now complete, the world can finally take a breath as the long-running saga of Brangelina’s marriage and separation reaches its conclusion. For Angelina Jolie, who had been focusing on healing her family, the end of the divorce process offers a sense of relief, even if the road ahead remains filled with challenges.
As for Jennifer Aniston, her journey through this turbulent time has come full circle. The heartbreaking moments from her past are now behind her, and she continues to move forward, focusing on her career and personal life. With the Brangelina chapter finally closed, fans will be watching to see what’s next for all the key players in this unforgettable Hollywood saga.