Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the 18-year-old daughter of Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has made headlines by filing legal paperwork to officially remove her father’s last name from her own. The teenager, who celebrated her birthday on Memorial Day, is seeking to be known simply as Shiloh Jolie.
A Family Name Change
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Shiloh’s decision follows in the footsteps of her siblings. Vivienne Jolie, another of Brad and Angelina’s children, already goes by Vivenne Jolie in the playbill for a musical production. Similarly, Zahara, the couple’s eldest daughter, introduced herself as Zahara Marley Jolie when joining her sorority at Spellman College.
Strained Family Dynamics
The move to drop the “Pitt” from her name comes amid reports of a strained family dynamic. In 2022, it was revealed that Angelina Jolie had accused Brad Pitt of physically abusing her and their children during a private plane flight in 2016. The recent legal filing claims that Pitt’s history of abuse extended to their children during that same flight. Jolie subsequently left him.
Legal Battles and Name Changes
In addition to the abuse allegations, the former couple has been embroiled in legal battles. In February 2022, Brad Pitt sued Angelina Jolie for violating “contractual” rights after she sold her portion of their French winery, Château Miraval. Jolie responded with a countersuit, revealing new details of the plane incident and alleging further abuse by Pitt.
Shiloh’s Independence
Shiloh’s decision to drop her father’s last name reflects her desire for independence and autonomy. As she steps into adulthood, she is asserting her identity and distancing herself from the tumultuous history between her parents.
While the legal process unfolds, Shiloh Jolie’s name change serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities within the Jolie-Pitt family. As the world watches, the young woman seeks to define herself beyond the famous names that surround her.