Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Release Separate Statements On Divorce; Speak Out About Kids During Breakup

Brad Pitt has released a statement on his divorce, confirming that he has split from wife Angelina Jolie. The statement was made to People magazine:

“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”

TMZ broke the news this morning that Angelina Jolie had filed for divorce. Sources later confirmed the report to People. A rep for Jolie released the following statement on the breakup to Us Weekly:

“Angelina Jolie has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time.”

Jolie and Pitt are parents to six children — Vivienne, 7, Knox, 7, Shiloh, 9, Zahara, 10, Pax, 11 and Maddox, 14. The couple first met on the set of “Mr. And Mrs. Smith” in 2003, and began a public relationship shortly after Pitt divorced wife Jennifer Aniston in 2005. They were married in 2014 after a two-year engagement.

According to TMZ, Jolie filed paperwork for the separation on Sept. 15, citing irreconcilable difference. A source further elaborated that a dispute regarding parenting is what led to the split. Jolie is asking for primary physical custody of the kids.