Narcissistic Abuse Allegations in the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Divorce: A Closer Look

The highly publicized divorce between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has captivated the world, not only because of their celebrity status but also due to the intense and complex nature of their split. Allegations of narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, and physical altercations have surfaced, painting a disturbing picture of the former power couple’s tumultuous relationship. For survivors of narcissistic abuse, the patterns emerging from this ongoing saga might seem all too familiar.

The September 2016 Plane Incident

One of the most pivotal events in the Jolie-Pitt divorce saga occurred in September 2016. During a private flight, an argument between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reportedly escalated into a physical altercation. According to documents filed with the FBI, Pitt allegedly grabbed Jolie by the head and shoulders, shook her, and punched the ceiling of the plane. The incident reportedly took place in front of their children, leading one to ask, “Is Mommy okay?” Pitt allegedly responded, “No, Mommy’s not okay, she’s ruining this family, she’s crazy.”

This incident is often cited as a red flag indicating a pattern of abusive behavior. In cases of narcissistic abuse, gaslighting is a common tactic where the abuser manipulates the narrative to paint the victim as irrational or unstable. Pitt’s alleged response to his child fits this pattern, suggesting an attempt to shift blame and discredit Jolie’s concerns.

Allegations of Child Abuse

The 2016 plane incident did not just involve Jolie. According to the FBI report, Pitt also allegedly choked one of the children and struck another in the face. Despite these serious allegations, no criminal charges were filed against Pitt. However, the impact on the family dynamics was profound. Following the incident, Jolie filed for divorce and was granted full physical custody of the children, while Pitt received only supervised visitation rights.

The Custody Battle

The ensuing custody battle was fierce and contentious. In November 2016, Jolie was awarded full physical custody of the children, while Pitt was granted therapeutic visitation rights, meaning his interactions with the children had to be supervised by a therapist. This arrangement underscores the severity of the concerns regarding Pitt’s behavior and its potential impact on the children’s well-being.

Brad Pitt’s Public Response

Throughout the divorce and custody proceedings, Brad Pitt has publicly portrayed himself as a victim of the situation. In various interviews, he has expressed bewilderment and sorrow over the estrangement from his children. In 2017, he told GQ, “I don’t know why I’m not allowed to see my children.” This public plea for sympathy can be interpreted as another narcissistic tactic, where the abuser seeks to manipulate public perception and garner support by presenting themselves as the wronged party.

Financial and Legal Maneuvering

In 2018, the divorce took another turn when Pitt filed court documents accusing Jolie of failing to pay adequate child support. Jolie’s response was swift and strategic. She demanded a retroactive child support order, highlighting her role as the primary caregiver and challenging Pitt’s portrayal of financial victimization. This legal maneuvering is indicative of the ongoing power struggle between the two, with financial abuse being a common tool used by narcissists to exert control over their victims.

The Winery Dispute

Another significant conflict arose over the couple’s jointly owned winery. Jolie sought to sell her share, citing the association of the property with alcohol as a painful reminder of the substance abuse issues that allegedly plagued their marriage. Despite offering Pitt $54.5 million to buy her out, he refused, leading her to sell her stake to a Russian oligarch for $67 million. This dispute highlights the lengths to which Pitt reportedly went to maintain control and complicate Jolie’s attempts to disentangle herself from him.

Children’s Reactions

The reactions of Jolie and Pitt’s children provide a poignant insight into the family dynamics. Shiloh and Zahara, in particular, have made public moves to distance themselves from their father by dropping the Pitt name. Pax, in a private Instagram post, condemned Pitt’s behavior, calling him a “horrible human being.” These actions suggest a deep-seated animosity and a desire to disassociate from their father, which can be seen as a powerful testament to the impact of the alleged abuse.

Conclusion

The Jolie-Pitt divorce and the accompanying allegations of narcissistic abuse and physical altercations have exposed the darker side of their high-profile relationship. For survivors of narcissistic abuse, the patterns of manipulation, gaslighting, and control that have emerged in this case are all too familiar. The ongoing legal battles and public disputes underscore the complexities of extricating oneself from an abusive relationship, particularly when children and significant assets are involved.

As the saga continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the children and the ability of both parents to move forward in a way that prioritizes their healing and stability. The Jolie-Pitt case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of narcissistic abuse and the challenges victims face in seeking justice and peace