LOS ANGELES, July 5: Actor Brad Pitt, 61, is said to be working toward emotional recovery after finalizing a lengthy and complex divorce from Angelina Jolie, which officially ended eight years after the initial filing in 2016. A source close to the actor told Us Weekly that the separation has left a lasting emotional impact.

"The divorce is something that had been controlling his life for so many years," the source shared. "He loved her, and he knows he made mistakes."

One of Pitt’s most profound regrets, according to the insider, is the reportedly fractured relationship with his six children: Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (20), Shiloh (19), and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. “His biggest regret is he can’t repair [his relationship with his kids],” the source stated. “The case is over, but there are no winners.”

Following their separation, Pitt’s relationship with the children reportedly deteriorated, particularly after a widely publicized incident on a private plane in 2016, which became a key moment in the divorce proceedings. Jolie accused Pitt of inappropriate behavior during the flight, which he has denied. The incident contributed to a legal and emotional divide within the family.

In the years since, some of the children have publicly distanced themselves from Pitt. Shiloh, Zahara, and Vivienne have opted to use only Jolie’s surname in various contexts. In August 2024, Shiloh formally petitioned a court to drop her father’s last name, while Zahara and Vivienne have used “Jolie” in college settings and theater credits respectively.

Despite this, Pitt retains visitation rights with the twins, who are still minors. However, he reportedly has little contact with his adult children.

While the finalization of the divorce brought a sense of closure, it has not erased the emotional toll. “It’s been hard for him because he doesn’t have a great relationship with his kids,” the source explained, adding that the entire process has left “a lasting impact.”

In the wake of the divorce, Pitt committed himself to personal growth and sobriety. He has been open about attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and focusing on improving his mental and emotional health. “Ever since he stopped drinking, everything has changed,” said the insider.

Still, reconciliation between Pitt and Jolie appears unlikely. According to the source, “She is still not in a place where she is going to forgive him or ever will.”

Pitt has since moved on romantically and is currently in a relationship with Ines de Ramon, 32. The couple made a public appearance at the British Grand Prix in July 2024, sparking speculation about a strategic reveal tied to Pitt’s upcoming film F1, though he denied such intentions in a GQ interview. “No, it’s not that calculated,” he said. “Life just evolves. Relationships evolve.”

Pitt, the son of former prime minister of Australia Sir William McMahon, rose to international fame with leading roles in Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, for which he won an Oscar. His most recent work includes the racing film F1, currently in promotion.

Despite ongoing challenges, those close to Pitt say he remains hopeful. “He’s doing his best to move forward,” said the source. “But there are some things he’ll carry with him for the rest of his life.”