Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s protracted and acrimonious divorce saga appears to be drawing to a close, with reports indicating that Pitt has abandoned his bid for shared custody of their children. The couple, who have been locked in a bitter legal battle since their separation in 2016, are said to be nearing a resolution as they engage in negotiations to settle their differences. According to sources close to the situation, an agreement is expected to be reached by the summer, signaling an end to their tumultuous legal feud.

Initially, Pitt, 60, had sought a 50/50 custody arrangement for their six children. However, it has now been disclosed that he is no longer contesting the matter, paving the way for Jolie, 48, to retain primary physical custody while Pitt will have visitation rights. This significant development marks a departure from Pitt’s previous stance and suggests a willingness on his part to prioritize the well-being of the children over his own desires.

One factor influencing this decision is the age of their children, with only three of them—Shiloh, 17, and twins Vivienne and Knox, both 15—still under 18. The older children—Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Zahara, 19—are considered adults in the eyes of the law and are not covered by custody agreements. Reports indicate strained relationships between Brad and the older children, particularly Pax, who reportedly no longer considers Pitt as a parental figure. Allegations of parental alienation have surfaced, with sources from Pitt’s camp suggesting that Jolie’s actions have contributed to the deterioration of their relationship with their father.

In response to these claims, Jolie’s friends have defended her, asserting that Pitt is solely responsible for the breakdown of their family. They maintain that Jolie’s only desire is to facilitate healing and move forward from the tumultuous divorce proceedings. Despite these conflicting narratives, both parties remain committed to reaching a resolution that serves the best interests of their children.

The relationship between Pitt and Jolie has been marred by controversy from its inception. They first met on the set of the movie “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” in 2005, while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Speculation about an affair between Pitt and Jolie emerged, fueling tabloid headlines and public scrutiny. Following Pitt’s divorce from Aniston, he began a high-profile relationship with Jolie, leading to the tabloid sensation known as “Brangelina.”

Their romance culminated in marriage in August 2014, but just two years later, their relationship unraveled amidst allegations of a physical altercation on a private flight with their children. Jolie accused Pitt of abusive behavior, including physical violence towards their children, which Pitt vehemently denied. The incident marked the beginning of a protracted legal battle over custody and other assets, including their French vineyard, Chateau Miraval.

Throughout the divorce proceedings, both Pitt and Jolie have publicly traded accusations and sought to portray themselves as the aggrieved party. However, as they near a resolution, there is hope that they can put aside their differences for the sake of their children’s well-being. Despite the challenges they have faced, their journey serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of love, fame, and family in the glare of the public spotlight.