Brad Pitt is reportedly heartbroken but hopeful as he faces the reality of his children distancing themselves from him. The actor’s 18-year-old daughter, Shiloh, recently filed legal paperwork to drop her last name, opting to remove “Pitt” from her identity. According to sources, Shiloh hired her own lawyer to handle the process, signaling a firm decision in her desire for separation from her father’s name.

The situation isn’t limited to Shiloh. Her 15-year-old sister, Vivienne, who worked as a production assistant on The Outsiders, also removed Pitt’s last name from her playbill credits. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Zahara chose to drop “Pitt” from her name when pledging her college sorority last November. Brad’s eldest biological son with Angelina Jolie, 22-year-old Maddox, reportedly goes by “Jolie” and only uses “Pitt” when legally necessary.

A source close to Brad describes his reaction to this news as deeply emotional. “Brad is upset and would love to repair things with his kids,” the insider shared. “He has made a tremendous effort to grow and learn. I got sober because of this guy. I don’t want to be running from anything at this point.”

The reasons behind the children’s decisions to distance themselves remain unclear. However, the tension may stem from the highly publicized and acrimonious divorce between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. In April, Angelina filed court documents claiming that Brad had a history of abuse toward the family—a claim Brad’s close sources vehemently deny, calling the allegations “inaccurate and misleading.”

Despite the hurt and division, Brad holds onto hope. “We all carry great pains and regrets,” the source explained. “Brad loves his children and genuinely hopes for reconciliation. He wants everyone to get to a better place. He loves them and wishes for them to find their own way and flourish.”

As this family saga continues to unfold, fans and observers wonder if a resolution is possible. The source adds a hopeful note: “Happy endings are just stories that haven’t finished yet.”“““““““

Amid the ongoing family struggles, Angelina Jolie recently celebrated her 49th birthday. According to a source who spoke with Entertainment Tonight, Angelina had a “quiet day at home with all of her kids.” Zahara returned home from college for the celebration, allowing the family a rare moment of togetherness. “I feel like my world expands as their world expands,” the source shared, reflecting Angelina’s focus on her children’s well-being. “When your children are your best friends, it’s kind of a nice feeling.”

Brad Pitt’s desire to mend his relationship with his children is clear. Despite the painful decisions his children have made regarding their last names, Brad remains committed to rebuilding trust and closeness. Whether this family can overcome past grievances and heal is a story still in progress—one that fans hope will end on a reconciliatory note.