Brad Pitt has reportedly reached a painful conclusion regarding his strained relationships with his two eldest adopted sons, Maddox, 23, and Pax, 21. According to sources close to the actor, Pitt has largely given up hope of repairing the bond, placing responsibility for the estrangement on their mother, Angelina Jolie.
Insiders claim Pitt believes the boys’ upbringing played a major role in the growing distance. “Brad would be there to give advice,” one source said, “but he cannot when he’s unable to have a relationship with them.” The actor reportedly feels shut out and powerless, despite wanting to remain involved in their lives.
Jolie’s camp, however, strongly disputes this narrative. Those close to the actress accuse Pitt of portraying himself as the victim rather than taking accountability for past actions that contributed to the family breakdown. They argue that healing would require acknowledgment and responsibility, not blame.
Recent headlines surrounding Pax have added fuel to the ongoing tension. After reports surfaced of him spending a night out at a strip club, Pitt’s team appeared dismissive of public concern, stating that Pax’s behavior “reflects who he is.” The remark has drawn criticism, with many viewing it as further evidence of the fractured relationship.
Maddox, the eldest, has remained distant since a highly publicized altercation with Pitt in 2016, an incident that marked a turning point for the family. Since then, reconciliation efforts have reportedly stalled, with little communication between father and son.
Despite the apparent rupture with Maddox and Pax, Pitt is said to remain hopeful about maintaining and strengthening relationships with his younger children—Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox. Sources suggest he believes there is still time and space to rebuild trust with them.
In past interviews, Pitt has described himself as a strict disciplinarian with his sons, while admitting he tended to be gentler with his daughters. That parenting dynamic, combined with years of public scrutiny and private conflict, appears to have left lasting scars.
As the Pitt-Jolie family saga continues to unfold, the possibility of reconciliation with the older boys seems increasingly unlikely—at least for now—highlighting how deeply personal conflicts can remain unresolved, even under the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight.