After 12 years together and two years of marriage, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have shocked the world by announcing they are to split.
Angelina, 41, confirmed overnight that she is to file for divorce, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ and saying she did it for “the health of her family.”
“Angelina will always do what’s in the best interest to protect her children,” her manager said in a statement.
“She appreciates everyone’s understanding of their need for privacy at this time.”
News crews report from outside the Jolie-Pitt’s family home today
Angelina is said to be seeking custody of their six children, Shiloh, 10, Vivienne, 8, Zahara, 11, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12 and Knox, 8. She is also reportedly not asking for spousal support.
“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids,” Brad said in a statement of the divorce.
“I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”
The media has been quick to speculate what the cause of the marriage breakdown might be, with outlets citing everything from an affair with his co-star, Marion Cotillard, to substance abuse problems and anger issues, to Brad’s style of parenting.
[Page Six](http://pagesix.com/2016/09/20/angelina-dumped-brad-after-private-eye-uncovered-marion-cotillard-affair/?ga=1.149763967.871978045.1439923894|target”blank” rel=”nofollow”) reports that Angelina hired a private eye who discovered Brad cheating with Marion.
[TMZ](http://www.tmz.com/2016/09/20/angelina-jolie-and-brad-pitt-marion-cotillard-divorce|target_”blank” rel=”nofollow”) says “weed and alcohol” are to blame.
While [People]( http://www.people.com/article/brad-pitt-fled-to-france-fighting-with-angelina-jolie|target_”blank” rel=”nofollow”) quotes a source commenting on Brad’s parenting style: “Brad has always been stricter. He has wanted the kids to have more structure. Brad will get frustrated sometimes and yell at the kids. Angelina always had a more relaxed attitude when it came to the kids. She definitely never yells.”
While those and many, many more reasons will no doubt be floated over the coming days and weeks, what matters most now is those six beautiful children.
