Brad Pitt says he will not contest children's move to drop his surname

Zahara (21) and Maddox (24), two of Brad Pitt’s older children, have filed petitions in California to legally remove “Pitt” from their surnames, seeking to be known as Zahara Marley Jolie and Maddox Chivan Jolie. Their applications follow similar steps taken earlier by sister Shiloh, who was granted a name change in 2024, and the informal decisions of twins Vivienne and Knox. California law requires the applicants to publish notices in the Los Angeles Daily Journal for four consecutive weeks, giving anyone a chance to object before a judge decides. Brad Pitt, who confirmed the divorce with Angelina Jolie was finalized in late 2024, said he will not oppose the proceedings, stating that “intervening would not improve the family situation” and that he respects his children’s choices. Sources close to him describe the development as “painful” but note he remains open to reconciliation if the children wish it. The dispute stems from a turbulent split that involved allegations of abuse during a 2016 private‑jet flight, though Pitt was never charged.