As Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s messy divorce and custody battle continues to play out in the courtroom, it seems their six children have made a surprising new declaration.
Sources close to Brad reveal that several of his young kids – Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 11, and Knox and Vivienne, both nine – have told him that they want to live with him and new girlfriend Jennifer.
It’s believed that Brad has spent the last few weeks slowly introducing his children to the former Friends star, after they rekindled their romance since her split from estranged husband Justin. And it now seems that Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne, in particular, have become incredibly close to Jen and want to spend as much time with her as possible.
‘There’s been so much tension in the kids’ lives since Ange led for divorce,’ says a source. ‘While Brad and Ange do a good job of trying to keep the ugly parts of their divorce battle away from the kids, it’s only natural that it’s going to spill over. Especially with Ange, who’s always either really angry at Brad or crying over the split when she’s at home.
‘That’s why it’s been so nice for the kids to spend some time with Brad and Jen, because Jen’s so relaxed and laid-back, and so keen just to play with the kids.
‘Even though she’s had a rough few months since her split from Justin, she’s really loving being able to unwind with Brad’s kids – play sport in the backyard, read books, watch TV and draw with them. It’s been really therapeutic for her – and the kids clearly love it and love her.’
The kids’ change of heart is said to be a bitter blow for Ange, given the bad blood she and Jen shared after Brad ended his first marriage because of the Tomb Raider star.
‘All this water has passed under the bridge – and not only has Jen got her ex back from Ange, the kids are now keen to live with Jen,’ says a source. ‘Things really couldn’t be worse for Ange.’
Read the full story in this week’s issue of New Idea, on sale now.
