Trigger warning: This story contains references to suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles.
Brad Pitt has offered a rare glimpse into the personal turmoil surrounding his split from Angelina Jolie, revealing that he experienced suicidal thoughts during one especially painful period involving “family stuff.”
The ‘Fight Club’ actor, 62, did not mention Jolie by name or share details about what happened. However, his comments in a candid Esquire interview come nearly 10 years after Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016.
Brad Pitt Makes Rare Comments About ‘Family Stuff’
GettyPitt discussed the emotional weight of grief, loneliness and family conflict while reflecting on the darkest period of his life.
When the interviewer asked whether that pain involved “kid stuff,” Pitt quietly clarified what he meant.
“Family stuff,” he said. “We could leave it at that.”
Pitt and Jolie share six children: Maddox, 25, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 18.
“Yeah. Like, listen: This [Expletives] ain’t easy,” Pitt said of navigating severe emotional pain. “And you’re talking to a guy who won the lottery.”
Brad Pitt Recalls Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts
GettyPitt said he had never considered himself suicidal but experienced such thoughts during one brief period when he could not see a way through the pain.
He stressed that he did not intend to act on those thoughts. Pitt said his survival instincts took over and helped him continue moving forward.
“I don’t see it as climbing out of it,” he said. “It’s going through it and trying and trying and trying and trying to the point of exhaustion and then trying again.”
Pitt said relief eventually came in small moments, including waking up one morning when everything felt slightly brighter.
Brad Pitt Reveals He Ended Seven Years of Sobriety
GettyThe ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ star also revealed that he resumed drinking after seven years of sobriety.
“I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon,” Pitt said.
The actor explained that he now drinks more restrainedly. He acknowledged becoming overconfident on a few occasions before realizing that consuming larger amounts was not healthy for him.
Pitt previously said he attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after Jolie filed for divorce. He described the experience as an important part of confronting his behavior and learning to face painful emotions.
Angelina Jolie Reflects on Life Since Brad Pitt Divorce
GettyJolie filed for divorce days after an alleged confrontation aboard a private plane in 2016. Pitt has denied allegations of abuse and was not charged following investigations. The former couple became legally single in 2019 and finalized their divorce settlement in December 2024.
Jolie recently shared her own reflections on life after the marriage while promoting ‘Couture.’
“I haven’t dated or been with anyone since I divorced a decade ago, right?” Jolie told Yahoo Entertainment.
“Life has broken me a little,” she added. “I have to live again. Be free again.”
Pitt has been dating jewelry executive Ines de Ramon for several years, while Jolie has maintained that she has not dated anyone since the former couple separated.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
Moral of the story DONT CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE
Are you saying because he cheated on Jennifer Aniston this is his karma? His payback?
I wish I was a fly on the wall in the plane. What the heck happened? I think Jolie poisoned their kids against him.