Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt recently gave a rare interview on the podcast "Armchair Expert," where he discussed his nearly decade-long divorce turmoil with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. He admitted that the period left him physically and emotionally exhausted, and that during those lows, he chose to join Alcoholics Anonymous to regain his footing in life.
Pitt and Jolie announced their split in 2016, with their marriage officially ending at the end of 2024. During this time, Jolie accused Pitt in court documents of domestic violence, including an alleged incident on a flight to France involving her and one of their children. Although Pitt denied the allegations and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) filed no charges, the matter continued to impact the pair's relationship and public image.
During the interview, Pitt recalled, “At that time, I was almost on my knees, completely open—I would try anything people suggested.” He admitted that he needed a reset, a chance to clear his head.
He mentioned that the openness and honesty at Alcoholics Anonymous brought him rare relief and support: "It allowed me to take that step, to see what would happen, and I really began to enjoy the process."
Pitt noted that he'd previously shared this experience in a 2019 "New York Times" interview, which led AA members to remind him “this is supposed to be anonymous.” Reflecting on his early days in recovery, he said: "It was a men’s group where everyone shared their experiences, shortcomings, mistakes, desires, pain, and plenty of humor. For someone like me—who grew up in the Ozarks and was raised to only share good news—it was truly special."
Although Pitt faced some gentle criticism within the group for sharing, he emphasized that the experience had a profound impact on his change and healing, and was a crucial step in moving beyond the collapse of his marriage and the confusion in his life.
Pitt and Jolie announced their split in 2016, with their marriage officially ending at the end of 2024. During this time, Jolie accused Pitt in court documents of domestic violence, including an alleged incident on a flight to France involving her and one of their children. Although Pitt denied the allegations and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) filed no charges, the matter continued to impact the pair's relationship and public image.
During the interview, Pitt recalled, “At that time, I was almost on my knees, completely open—I would try anything people suggested.” He admitted that he needed a reset, a chance to clear his head.
He mentioned that the openness and honesty at Alcoholics Anonymous brought him rare relief and support: "It allowed me to take that step, to see what would happen, and I really began to enjoy the process."
Pitt noted that he'd previously shared this experience in a 2019 "New York Times" interview, which led AA members to remind him “this is supposed to be anonymous.” Reflecting on his early days in recovery, he said: "It was a men’s group where everyone shared their experiences, shortcomings, mistakes, desires, pain, and plenty of humor. For someone like me—who grew up in the Ozarks and was raised to only share good news—it was truly special."
Although Pitt faced some gentle criticism within the group for sharing, he emphasized that the experience had a profound impact on his change and healing, and was a crucial step in moving beyond the collapse of his marriage and the confusion in his life.