Multiple Jolie-Pitt Children Have Moved to Drop Brad Pitt's Last Name. His Public Image Problem Deepens.

Three of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s adult children are in the process of removing his last name. One has already completed the change. The pattern is now public record.

What You Should Know

Zahara Jolie-Pitt filed a petition on April 28, 2026 with the Los Angeles Superior Court to legally change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie, according to court documents reviewed by People magazine. Her brother Maddox, 24, filed a similar petition around the same time to remove Pitt from his last name, according to TMZ. Neither name change has been finalized by a court as of this writing - Zahara has a court hearing scheduled for September 28, 2026.

Shiloh, 20, completed a legal name change in 2024 and now goes by Shiloh Jolie, according to People. Vivienne has dropped Pitt from professional credits, including the Broadway production of The Outsiders, according to TMZ. A source close to Pitt told People the situation has been painful to witness.

The Public Image Problem

The filings add a public dimension to a family split that has played out in courtrooms for nearly a decade. Pitt and Jolie’s divorce was finalized in December 2024 after more than eight years of proceedings, but their separate legal battle over Chateau Miraval continues with a trial scheduled for 2027. Jolie’s countersuit in the winery case seeks at least $250 million in damages and alleges Pitt wasted winery assets and deliberately blocked her from receiving profits.

TMZ reported that Brad Pitt did not reach out about obtaining a ticket to Zahara’s Spelman College graduation in May 2026. The combination of the ongoing winery litigation, the name change filings, and the graduation absence represents a sustained and public image problem that shows no sign of resolution before the 2027 trial.

The Receipts

People magazine reviewed the court documents confirming Zahara’s April 28, 2026 filing and confirmed Shiloh’s completed 2024 name change. TMZ confirmed Maddox’s filing and Zahara’s September 28 court date. E! News confirmed Maddox’s filing and noted Vivienne had dropped Pitt from her Outsiders production credits. The couple has six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox.

What Happens Next

Zahara’s court hearing is scheduled for September 28, 2026, at which point a judge will consider her petition. Maddox’s petition is also pending. If both are approved, four of the six Jolie-Pitt children will have either completed or initiated the removal of Pitt’s last name. The 2027 winery trial will renew public attention on the full scope of the Pitt-Jolie separation.

References: People, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Daughter Zahara Files to Drop Pitt From Name | TMZ, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Son Maddox Dropping Pitt From Last Name | E! News, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Daughter Zahara Files to Drop Pitt From Name