Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s son Knox joins siblings in dropping dad’s surname ahead of 18th birthday
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Brad Pitt and actress Angelina Jolie’s son Knox has reportedly dropped his father’s surname from his high school diploma, a move that came just ahead of his 18th birthday on Friday, July 12.
He used the name “Knox Jolie” on his certificate after graduating from Fusion Academy earlier this month, according to a source who spoke exclusively to Page Six. The decision follows similar moves by several of his siblings to drop the surname and comes amid the long-running fallout from their highly publicized separation.
Family rift draws attention after Knox Jolie reportedly drops Pitt surname
Following the graduation, sources offered differing perspectives on Knox’s decision to use the surname Jolie. A second source exclusively told the outlet that Angelina, “seems quite pleased with herself about the total success of her long-standing, intense, deliberate effort to alienate her children from their father.”
The source further claimed, “It’s so sad for the entire family that she would use the same weapon of the name change over and over for any other purpose other than to hurt their father. This was her goal and she succeeded.”
However, a third source presented a different account, stating that Angelina “participated in years of family therapy with Brad and the children for everyone to try to heal after the events that led her to file for divorce.”
The source added, “If he isn’t close to the kids, it’s because of the harm that was done. He wasn’t honest about his actions, and it affected the trust between them. It’s been very hard for the kids. No one knows, except them, how bad it has been.”
The same source continued, “The children are now adults and make their own decisions, which deserve respect. If they choose to distance themselves from him, it comes from that pain and harm. It’s really horrible that he has tried to paint himself as a victim. When will people start asking real questions about what happened to the kids?”
Knox Jolie shares graduation speech before Muay Thai showdown
Hours before a Muay Thai showdown, Knox addressed classmates and their families during his graduation ceremony and shared his excitement about the upcoming fight. “Tonight, I’m gonna be fighting at Total Sonic Knockout 5 at 12.45 am, so catch me,” he said in a clip from the event.
“I’m gonna knock ‘em out. Let’s go!” The remarks were met with cheers from the audience.
His decision follows similar actions taken by several of his siblings. On June 9, Zahara filed paperwork requesting that her name be changed from Zahara Jolie-Pitt to Zahara Jolie.
Several Jolie-Pitt children have moved to drop Pitt surname
In 2024, she successfully petitioned a Los Angeles court to legally remove “Pitt” from her last name after turning 18. Last month, Maddox also filed legal paperwork seeking to drop “Pitt” from his surname, citing personal reasons in court documents.
Before filing, he had already begun using “Maddox Jolie” professionally, including in credits for the film 'Couture', where he worked as an assistant director and starred alongside Angelina.
The duo finalized their divorce in December 2024, ending more than eight years of legal proceedings after she filed for divorce in September 2016.
