Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s eldest son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, is reportedly preparing to explain in court why he wants to drop “Pitt” from his last name.
Maddox, 24, has filed legal documents seeking to change his surname, according to court papers cited by In Touch. He is now expected to appear in court on September 14 to explain the reason behind the request.
The move adds another emotional layer to the long-running family tension surrounding Jolie, Pitt and their children.
Maddox Jolie-Pitt Reportedly Seeks Name Change
Jolie, 51, and Pitt, 62, share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne. Over the past few years, several of the former couple’s children have taken steps to distance themselves from the Pitt name.
Maddox’s reported court appearance could bring fresh attention to that pattern.
His filing follows similar moves by his sisters Shiloh and Zahara. Shiloh filed to drop Pitt from her surname on her 18th birthday in May 2024.
A source previously claimed Pitt was shaken by the decision.
“Brad was blindsided by Shiloh dropping his last name, but he wasn’t surprised,” the insider said.
Zahara And Shiloh Also Dropped Pitt Name
Zahara also began using Zahara Marley Jolie after enrolling at Spelman College. She introduced herself that way while joining her sorority in 2024.
At her recent graduation, she was reportedly announced as Zahara Marley Jolie while receiving her diploma.
In Touch also reported that Zahara formally filed paperwork on April 28 to change her name from Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt to Zahara Marley Jolie.
That makes Maddox’s filing part of a wider family story, not an isolated move.
Pitt Family Rift Remains Under Scrutiny
The name changes have kept public focus on the strained dynamics inside one of Hollywood’s most famous former families.
One insider claimed Pitt believes Jolie has influenced the children’s distance from him.
“He believes Angie has gradually alienated their children from him,” the source said.
Jolie and Pitt have been locked in years of legal and personal fallout since their split. Now, their children’s choices are adding another visible chapter.
For Maddox, the September court date may offer a chance to explain his decision in his own words. For the public, it is another sign that the Jolie-Pitt family story remains deeply complicated.
