Angelina Jolie rocked the showbiz world on Tuesday (20.09.16) when it emerged she has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
The 'Maleficent' actress submitted court documents on Monday (19.09.16) to legally end her two-year marriage to the Hollywood hunk, stating they had split four days before due to "irreconcilable differences".
It has been claimed Angelina made the decision to split from Brad because she was "extremely upset" with how he parented their six children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, eight, and her manager has insisted she felt divorcing was "in the interest" of her family.
Her longtime manager Geyer Kosinki told E! News: "Angelina is doing what's best in the interest of taking care of her children. She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time."
Whilst entertainment attorney Robert Offer added in a statement: "Angelina has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time."
In documents filed to the court, Angelina - who began dating Brad in 2004, shortly after his marriage to Jennifer Aniston ended - is asking for joint legal custody of the kids, but is seeking sole physical custody. Angelina has stated in court papers that she is happy to allow visitation rights.
The 52-year-old actor has admitted he is "very saddened" by the 41-year-old beauty's decision, but insists their kids must come first and appealed for privacy on their behalf.
In a statement, he said: "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids.
"I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."
Despite his appeal for privacy, Brad is still concerned about his family after a scrum of paparazzi formed outside their Hollywood Hills home, and the Los Angeles police are now patrolling the area at regular intervals.
The final straw for Angelina was said to have been an unknown "incident" just a week ago.
An insider said: "The final divorce decision was only made one week ago. An incident took place and prompted Angelina to act and file."
And her legal decision was said to have left the 'Moneyball' star stunned, as he only found out the actress' plans hours before she submitted divorce papers.
A source said: "Brad only found out about the divorce decision on Monday."
Brad is said to be furious with reports criticising his parenting and partying ways because it could be detrimental for their kids.
According to TMZ, Brad said about the divorce: "She's just unleashed hell."
The Hollywood hunk is said to have pleaded with the 'By the Sea' filmmaker to handle their divorce "like adults" because he didn't want to disrupt their six children.
Angelina was previously wed to Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller.
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