Brad Pitt‘s daughter Zahara recently delivered an emotional speech celebrating her close bond with her mother, Angelina Jolie.
Speaking at Spelman College, the 21-year-old reflected on her upbringing, the actress’s influence, and growing up in the public eye.
However, Zahara made no mention of her father, Brad Pitt, further confirming reports of his strained ties with his kids amid his legal issues with Angelina Jolie.
Zahara Jolie Opens Up About Deep Bond With Angelina Jolie In Rare Speech
Zahara offered a rare glimpse into her bond with her mother, Angelina Jolie, during an emotional speech that notably left out any mention of her father, Pitt.
The actor has been estranged from all his now-adult kids, who have been primarily raised by Angelina and seem to be on her side amid their parents’ legal battle.
Zahara made this abundantly clear when she spoke at a mother-daughter brunch hosted by the Pearls of Purpose Foundation alongside the Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Spelman College.
Addressing the audience, the 21-year-old admitted it was difficult to fully express the depth of her relationship with her mother, describing it as something uniquely profound and almost beyond words.
“When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words,” she began, per the Daily Mail. “Not challenging because I don’t value it, but because my mom and I have a unique, almost kindred, relationship that can be hard to put into words.”
She reflected on her upbringing, sharing that although she was adopted as an infant, she grew up surrounded by love, strong values, and a close-knit family. Zahara credited her mother for instilling principles like compassion, kindness, and personal growth, values she believes are especially important in today’s world.
Zahara Jolie Praises Angelina Jolie As ‘Selfless’ Role Model In Emotional Tribute
In her speech, Zahara praised Angelina as the most selfless, loving, and understanding parent, someone she continues to admire and learn from.
She spoke about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, noting how difficult it can be to maintain private, meaningful moments under constant attention. Despite that, she said her mother has always stayed engaged and supportive in every aspect of her life, from academics to personal growth.
Now a senior studying psychology with a minor in educational studies, Zahara also highlighted how her mother’s humanitarian work influenced her own outlook.
She shared that she often stepped into the role of a “second mother” among her siblings, inspired by the example set at home.
Zahara, who dropped “Pitt” from her name in 2023, focused entirely on her relationship with her mother throughout the speech, offering heartfelt gratitude.
She ended with a simple but powerful message, thanking the “Maleficent” actress for shaping her into the person she is today.
Quoting a phrase that resonated with her, she concluded, “I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me. Thank you, Mom.”
Brad Pitt’s Kids Distance Themselves From The Actor Post-Divorce As Several Drop Pitt’s surname
Zahara is one of six children shared by Angelina and Pitt. The former couple, who first connected while filming “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” also have Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
After more than a decade together, Angelina and Pitt married in 2014 but separated just two years later, in 2016.
Angelina filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and later made allegations of abuse involving both herself and their children, which Pitt has consistently denied.
Their divorce proceedings stretched on for years before finally being settled in late 2024. In the time since, several of their children have distanced themselves publicly from their father, including by dropping his surname.
Shiloh, for instance, legally changed her name to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie after turning 18 in 2024. Maddox has also opted to go by “Jolie” professionally, appearing under that name in credits tied to film projects like “Couture” and “Maria.”
The actor’s youngest daughter, Vivienne, also once dropped Pitt from her name, opting to be credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in a project.
Brad Pitt Slams Trial Delay In $164M Château Miraval Dispute With Angelina Jolie As ‘Important Evidence’ Disappears
Meanwhile, the former couple remains locked in a separate legal battle over Château Miraval, their once jointly owned vineyard, in a dispute reportedly worth $164 million.
Angelina has requested that the trial be postponed by nine months, potentially pushing proceedings to late 2027.
Pitt’s legal team has pushed back, arguing that such a delay could weaken the case as “important evidence is disappearing” and witness testimony may no longer be available.
According to court filings, one significant witness, Angelina’s former business manager, Terry Bird, has passed away.
Another potential witness, her former transactional lawyer, Laurent Schummer, is reportedly too unwell to testify. Pitt’s team claims these developments “are yet another reason that a nine-month delay of the trial date would prejudice Plaintiffs.”
The Actor Claims The Legal Dispute With Angelina Jolie Has Affected His Life
They also argue that the prolonged dispute has deprived Pitt of the “quiet enjoyment of his home in France,” and has negatively impacted the winery’s operations.
The legal documents suggest that ongoing disagreements between stakeholders, along with involvement from the Stoli Group, owners of Angelina’s stake in the winery, have created instability for the actor.
“This dispute should be resolved as soon as possible so that all parties—including Mr. Pitt—can move on with their lives,” the court doc concluded.
