Brad Pitt split as Angelina Jolie files for divorce

The theories on what led to the celebrity divorce of the year have been coming in fast from ‘sources close to Pitt’ and ‘sources close to Jolie’, but beyond knowing that there were “irreconcilable differences’, we know little else for certain.

He was playing away.

He was partying too hard.

She’s sick of his parenting style.

She’s sick of his closeness to her dad.

Brad Pitt issued a statement that he was “very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids”. He asked that the press give their six children “the space they deserve during this challenging time”.

Meanwhile, Geyer Kosinski, Jolie’s manager said: “Angelina will always do what’s in the best interest to protect her children,” adding “she appreciates everyone’s understanding of their need for privacy at this time”.

However, less than 24 hours after the bombshell news, it is already looking like the divorce may not be agreed easily. Jolie will reportedly be represented by powerhouse lawyer Laura Wasser.

Ms Wasser, known as the Disso Queen for her skill at dissolving marriages, is one of Hollywood’s most famous lawyers and has represented A-list stars including Johnny Depp, Stevie Wonder, Kim Kardashian, and Britney Spears.

“This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time,” attorney Robert Offer said in a statement.

Why this emphasis on the ‘health of the family’ nobody knows, but Jolie is seeking full physical custody of their six children, aged 8 to 15, with visitation rights for Pitt. She is not seeking spousal support.

Jolie and Pitt were one of the entertainment world’s most visible couples due to their good looks, box office earning power, and activism. They married in 2014 after a decade together.

Their relationship was steady fodder for tabloids with reports focusing on what role Jolie played in the break-up of Pitt’s first marriage to actress Jennifer Aniston and, more recently, possible trouble in the marriage.

Media commentators reacted with surprise and sadness to the news. “Today shall go down as the day love died,” Vogue magazine said in an online report on the couple’s split.