Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Zahara’s Cryptic Declaration Sparks Debate About Her Family Life

Nov 30, 2023

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, often referred to as “Brangelina,” formed one of Hollywood’s most high-profile relationships. They met in 2004 on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and quickly became a global media sensation. 

The couple has six children, three of whom are adopted. Maddox Jolie-Pitt, from Cambodia, was adopted by Angelina in 2002 before her relationship with Brad began. Brad later adopted Maddox as well. In 2005, they adopted Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt from Ethiopia. Zahara’s adoption highlighted issues such as international adoption and the plight of orphans in Africa, and both Brad and Angelina have been actively involved in philanthropic efforts in the region. Their third adopted child is Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, from Vietnam, adopted in 2007. They also have three biological children: Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, and twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline.

Zahara, born on Jan. 8, 2005, in Ethiopia, has been a significant part of Brad and Angelina’s life and their humanitarian work. As Zahara grew up in the spotlight, she occasionally accompanied her parents to various events and film premieres, gaining public attention. Her adoption raised awareness about the challenges faced by children in Ethiopia and the broader issues surrounding international adoption. Brad and Angelina have always been vocal about their commitment to ensuring a strong connection for their children with their birth countries, and this has been especially evident in their approach to parenting Zahara.

Although Brad and Angelina split in 2016, they have both continued to prioritize their children. This remained the case when Zahara enrolled at Spelman College in August 2022, with both proud parents being openly vocal about their daughter taking the next big step in life. In November 2023, Zahara joined a sorority to much fanfare, as well as chatter about a controversial decision she made during an induction ceremony.

Brad and Angelina’s children have no doubt had an extraordinary childhood with such famous parents, but that hasn’t stopped them from engaging in normal pursuits, such as furthering their academic studies. In 2019, Maddox left the United States for Seoul, South Korea, to study biochemistry at Yonsei University. Angelina herself admitted that when she saw him off at the airport, she couldn’t help but have an “embarrass-your-children ugly cry” during the bittersweet moment.

Next to start the next big chapter in their life was Zahara, who enrolled in Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, among one of the top historically Black colleges and universities. In August 2022, Zahara and her celebrity mother met with senior members of the college’s staff and in a video, Angelina was heard saying, “I’m gonna start crying! I have not started crying yet.”

As for Brad, he, too, has publicly aired his views on matters close to his children, including on the issue of adoption. In September 2011, he touched on Zahara’s adoption, telling Parade:

“I have seen children suffer far beyond what we experience in America — like our oldest daughter (Zahara). I know she would not be alive (if she hadn’t been adopted). I know what care was available to her, and it was nil. I cannot imagine life without her.”

Prior to her start in college, Brad also said he was “so proud of her” and added:

“She’s so smart. She’s going to flourish even more at college. It’s an exciting and beautiful time to find her own way and pursue her interests. I’m so proud.”

It appears Zahara is thriving at Spelman and embracing all the norms of campus life to its fullest. Among them is joining the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. According to its website, the sorority aims to “promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature.” 

A November 2023 video shared by Essence showed Zahara taking part in an event introducing the sorority’s newest members. She was standing in a line with her sisters, who were all similarly dressed in black. Then, Zahara took to the spotlight to introduce herself, declaring:

“My name is Zahara Marley Jolie, coming all the way from the Golden State in the city that is full of angels, Los Angeles, California. I am this line’s number seven.”

While her enthusiastic announcement was thrilling to watch, many viewers also took notice of the fact that Zahara had dropped “Pitt” from her last name. The innocuous detail has since sparked debate over Zahara and her relationship with her parents.

“Imagine your adopted child dropping your name,” one user lamented, while another wrote, “That’s sad. He loved those children and accepted them as his own.”

A third user commented:

“Sad this family drama is being played out publicly. Especially when children are involved and being weaponized.”

Others defended Zahara’s decision, with some arguing she was “an adult and she can make that decision.”

Other users expressed their joy at how well Angelina had nurtured Zahara and allowed her to embrace her roots, saying:

“Angelina Jolie has done a great job making sure her adopted children are still connected to their heritage! I’m impressed.”

Another comment read:

“Well done Angelina‼️ You raised a beautiful black queen ❤️”

Do you believe Zahara’s declaration had an underlying meaning? What are your thoughts on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as parents? Let us know, and then pass this along to friends and family to get their opinions as well.