Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the 18-year-old daughter of Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has officially taken steps to change her name. According to reports, Shiloh filed legal documents on May 27th to drop her father’s last name and go by “Shiloh Jolie.” This date holds special significance—it was both Memorial Day and her 18th birthday, marking a major milestone in her life and a bold decision to assert her independence.

This move makes Shiloh the third child in the Jolie-Pitt family to distance herself from the “Pitt” surname. Her sisters, Zahara and Vivienne, have also been spotted using the Jolie name exclusively in public. Although the legal process for Shiloh’s name change has not yet been finalized, it’s expected to become official soon.

Sources close to the family say that Shiloh’s choice reflects a conscious decision to align herself more closely with her mother. Many see it as her first significant adult decision, stepping into her own identity apart from her famous father.

Shiloh isn’t alone in making this shift. In May 2024, People Magazine reported that her younger sister Vivienne is listed as “Vivienne Jolie” in the playbill for the Broadway musical The Outsiders. Vivienne works behind the scenes as a production assistant on the show, supporting her mother Angelina, who serves as the producer. The absence of “Pitt” from Vivienne’s professional title suggests a clear desire to create her own space and establish her identity separately from her father’s.

Likewise, Zahara, the eldest daughter, made headlines in November 2023 when she was formally inducted into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Spelman College. During her introduction, she proudly announced her name as “Zahara Marley Jolie,” leaving out any mention of Brad Pitt’s last name. The moment was captured on video and shared by Essence, showing Zahara confidently taking the stage, cheered on by her sorority sisters.

While their name choices are personal decisions, they come against a backdrop of ongoing family drama between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Since their high-profile split in 2016, the ex-couple has been locked in a bitter legal battle. Although their divorce was finalized in 2019, disputes over the custody of their children and their shared ownership of the Château Miraval winery in France have continued to fuel tension.

Adding another layer to the family’s legal woes are recent allegations that Angelina may have influenced the children’s relationship with their father. Tony Webb, the former head of SRS Global—a security firm that provided personal protection to Angelina Jolie from 2000 to 2020—has offered testimony that stirred controversy. According to Webb, a former employee, Ross Foster, is willing to testify in court, even if it means breaking a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Webb claims Foster overheard Jolie telling her children not to spend time with their father during custody visits. If these allegations hold any truth, they could explain why some of the children have publicly distanced themselves from Brad Pitt in recent years.

This revelation has sparked intense debate on social media. Many users have expressed concern about the emotional toll the ongoing conflict may be taking on the Jolie-Pitt children. One user commented, “It’s shocking that she doesn’t realize the harm this is doing to their kids.” Another speculated, “Maybe that’s why Shiloh is thinking about living with her dad now—she’s starting to see things differently.”

Some observers have gone so far as to describe Angelina’s alleged actions as “parental alienation,” which can have lasting emotional consequences for children caught in the middle of a custody battle. One reader said, “The worst thing a parent can do is alienate their kids from the other parent.” Others expressed disappointment, writing comments like, “Shame on her.”

There’s also speculation that Angelina’s upbringing may be influencing her actions. Some point to her own complicated childhood as a reason why she may struggle to break the cycle of family dysfunction. “She went through a lot as a kid,” one commenter wrote. “Maybe she doesn’t know how to stop repeating the same mistakes.”

Despite the controversy, Angelina Jolie has often spoken about her dedication to her children. In interviews, she describes herself as both a mother and a friend to them. She credits her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, for inspiring her parenting style. According to Angelina, her mother’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love shaped her into the person she is today.

In a heartfelt 2011 interview, Angelina opened up about her bond with her mother and how it influenced her approach to motherhood. She emphasized the importance of open communication and trust, hoping to create a similar connection with her own children. Angelina has consistently expressed her desire to provide them with a loving, supportive environment, much like the one her mother gave her.

Still, recent events suggest that the Jolie-Pitt family’s dynamics remain complex and emotionally charged. As Shiloh Jolie takes steps toward independence by adopting a new name, many wonder what lies ahead for this famous family. Will the children continue to distance themselves from their father, or will they find a way to rebuild those relationships?

For now, Shiloh’s decision to become “Shiloh Jolie” marks a significant turning point. It’s a clear statement about where she stands and a reflection of the evolving identities within one of Hollywood’s most well-known families.