Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s relationship once defined Hollywood’s golden age of romance.
From their first meeting on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2003 to raising six children together, their partnership appeared nearly perfect in the public eye.
But behind the glamorous façade, serious tensions simmered that eventually erupted into one of Hollywood’s most publicised splits.
In 2016, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt, a move that left millions shocked and heartbroken for the family they had built.
At the time, details about what led to the sudden end were kept largely private, with Jolie’s team releasing a statement requesting “privacy during this difficult time.”
However, new revelations have painted a more complex and troubling picture of what the actress endured behind closed doors.
In 2022, an FBI report obtained by Entertainment Weekly shed light on an alleged violent incident that took place aboard the couple’s private plane.
According to the documents, Pitt reportedly “grabbed Jolie by the head and shoulders” while yelling at her, punched the ceiling, and poured beer on her while she sat under a blanket with their children.
Two of their children reportedly cried during the confrontation, leading Pitt to allegedly respond,
“No, mommy’s not OK. She’s ruining this family.”
While Pitt has denied accusations of physical abuse, admitting only to placing his hands on one child to deescalate the situation, Jolie’s experiences during this period were far from insignificant.
The highly stressful environment, coupled with the emotional turmoil, took a visible toll on Jolie’s physical health.
In a candid interview with WSJ Magazine, Jolie opened up about the devastating impact the stress had on her body.
“My body reacts very strongly to stress”
she explained, revealing that she began experiencing severe health issues shortly before the divorce proceedings.
“My blood sugar goes up and down. I suddenly had Bell’s palsy six months before my divorce.”
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it may result from inflammation of facial nerves, often following a viral infection, and can lead to a temporarily drooping appearance.
While the exact cause of Bell’s palsy remains unknown, experts agree that stress can weaken the immune system, potentially triggering such conditions.
Jolie first shared her Bell’s palsy diagnosis publicly in 2017, during what she described as an incredibly “difficult year.”
She reflected in an earlier interview with Vanity Fair that
“sometimes women who have families put themselves last, until it manifests itself in their own health.”
Thankfully, with the help of acupuncture and medical support, she made a full recovery.
Today, Jolie focuses on her family and personal healing, maintaining a close relationship with her six children.
“They are the closest people to me and my life, and they are my close friends”
she shared, emphasising how their bond has helped her rebuild her strength.
As Jolie and Pitt continue to lead separate lives, her story stands as a powerful reminder of how hidden emotional battles can translate into profound physical health consequences even for those who seem invincible to the world.
Featured Image Credit: (Alamy)(Getty Images)(Instagram//@angelinajolie)
