Brad Pitt reveals who he turned to during 'darkest days' of his divorce from Angelina Jolie

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Brad Pitt has had a difficult few years, especially as his divorce from Angelina Jolie stretched on for eight years. Throughout that period, the actor leaned on a small circle of people who stood by him when things got tough.

Looking back, Pitt has opened up about how his closest friends and family helped him deal with the emotional toll of the split and get through some of the darkest days of his life.

Brad Pitt says close friends helped him through his darkest days

Pitt and Jolie separated in 2016 after more than a decade together. Their split led to a lengthy legal battle, which was finally settled in December 2024. The former couple has also faced disputes involving their French winery, Chateau Miraval.

Speaking about the difficult period, Pitt credited a small circle of trusted people with helping him cope. “When I think of the darker days, it was certainly my close relationships that I relied heavily on. Friends, dear close friends, a handful, close family, and was very open about my struggle,” he said during an interview with The Sun.

He added, “And being able to be that free with people who love you and have your back, and that you love back, is everything. It’s everything.”

Pitt has several famous friends, including George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon. However, he did not specify which individuals he relied on during his most difficult days. The actor has also spoken publicly in the past about his struggles with alcohol.

Brad Pitt explores love and loss in 'Heart of the Beast'

Pitt's personal experiences have shaped how he looks at relationships and some of life's toughest moments. His film 'Heart of the Beast' explores survival and the challenges people face when life takes an unexpected turn.

The project also touches on the importance of finding ways to keep going when things become difficult.

Although Pitt and Jolie finalized their divorce in December 2024, their legal dispute over Chateau Miraval has continued. Pitt has also maintained his relationship with jewelry executive Ines de Ramon while focusing on his career.

Brad Pitt's relationship with his children faces challenges after divorce

Pitt's struggles extended beyond his divorce from Jolie, as his relationship with their six children also faced difficulties.

Shiloh legally dropped Pitt from her surname in 2024, followed by Maddox and Zahara in September 2026. Vivienne also filed to remove the surname in July 2026. Meanwhile, Pax and Knox have reportedly distanced themselves from the Pitt surname in unofficial records or credits.

The family developments have added another dimension to Pitt's personal life following the separation. While the actor continues to focus on his career, his comments highlight the importance of having close friends and family to rely on during difficult times.