Brad PittIt is girl Zahara recently gave a moving speech celebrating her close bond with her mother, Angelina Jolie.
Speaking at Spelman College, the 21-year-old reflected on her upbringing, acting influence and growing up in the public eye.
However, Zahara made no mention of her father, Brad Pitt, further confirming reports of his strained ties with his children amid his legal troubles with Angelina Jolie.
Zahara Jolie opens up about her deep connection with Angelina Jolie in rare speech
Zahara offered a rare glimpse into her bond with her mother, Angelina Jolie, during an emotional speech that notably omitted any mention of her father, Pitt.
The actor has separated from all of his now-adult children, who were primarily raised by Angelina and appear to be on his side in their parents’ legal battle.
Zahara made that clear when she spoke at a mother-daughter brunch hosted by the Pearls of Purpose Foundation alongside the Nu Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College.
Speaking to the audience, the 21-year-old admitted that it was difficult to fully express the depth of her relationship with her mother, describing it as something unique, profound and almost beyond words.
“When she was asked to speak with all of you today about the value of mother-daughter relationships, I found it difficult to find the words,” she began, according to the Daily Mail. “Not difficult because I don’t value it, but because my mother and I have a unique, almost kinship relationship that can be difficult to express in words.”
She reflected on her upbringing, sharing that although she was adopted as a baby, she grew up surrounded by love, strong values and a close-knit family. Zahara credited her mother for instilling principles such as compassion, kindness and personal growth, values she said are especially important in today’s world.
Zahara Jolie praises Angelina Jolie as a ‘selfless’ role model in moving tribute
In her speech, Zahara praised Angelina as the most selfless, loving and understanding mother, someone she continues to admire and learn from.
She spoke about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, highlighting how difficult it can be to maintain private, meaningful moments under constant attention. Despite this, she said her mother always remained engaged and supportive in all aspects of her life, from studies to personal growth.
Now a psychology major with a minor in educational studies, Zahara also highlighted how her mother’s humanitarian work influenced her own outlook.
She shared that she often took on the role of “second mother” among her siblings, inspired by the example set at home.
Zahara, who dropped “Pitt” from her name in 2023, focused entirely on her relationship with her mother throughout the speech, offering her sincere gratitude.
She ended with a simple but powerful message, thanking the “Maleficent” actress for shaping her into the person she is today.
Quoting a phrase that spoke to her, she concluded: “I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me. Thank you, Mom.”
Brad Pitt’s children move away from actor after divorce as several drop Pitt’s last name
Zahara is one of six children shared by Angelina and Pitt. The former couple, who first connected while filming “Mr. & Mrs.” Smith,” also has Maddox, Pax, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.
After more than a decade together, Angelina and Pitt married in 2014 but separated two years later in 2016.
Angelina filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and later made allegations of abuse involving herself and their children, which Pitt has always denied.
Their divorce proceedings lasted for years before finally being settled in late 2024. Since then, several of their children have publicly distanced themselves from their father, including dropping his last name.
Shiloh, for example, legally changed her name to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie after turning 18 in 2024. Maddox also chose to call herself “Jolie” professionally, appearing under that name in credits related to film projects like “Couture” and “Maria.”
The actor’s youngest daughter, Vivienne, also dropped Pitt from her name, choosing to be credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in one project.
Brad Pitt Slams Trial Delay in Chateau Miraval-Angelina Jolie’s $164 Million Dispute as ‘Important Evidence’ Disappears
Meanwhile, the former couple remains engaged in a separate legal battle over Chateau Miraval, their formerly jointly owned vineyard, in a dispute worth $164 million.
Angelina requested that the trial be postponed for nine months, which could push the proceedings to the end of 2027.
Pitt’s legal team pushed back, arguing that such a delay could weaken the case to the extent that “important evidence disappears” and testimony may no longer be available.
According to court filings, a key witness, Angelina’s former business manager Terry Bird, has died.
Another potential witness, his former transactional lawyer, Laurent Schummer, is said to be too ill to testify. Pitt’s team says these developments “are yet another reason why a nine-month delay in the trial date would harm plaintiffs.”
Actor says legal dispute with Angelina Jolie affected his life
They also argue that the prolonged conflict deprived Pitt of “the quiet enjoyment of his home in France” and negatively impacted the winery’s operations.
Legal documents suggest that ongoing disagreements between stakeholders, as well as the involvement of the Stoli Group, which owns Angelina’s stake in the winery, created instability for the actor.
“This dispute must be resolved as quickly as possible so that all parties, including Mr. Pitt, can move on with their lives,” the court document concluded.
