Zahara and Maddox Say Goodbye to the Pitt Surname in Heartfelt Newspaper Ads

In a move that felt part newspaper, part personal statement, Zahara Jolie‑Pitt (now Zahara Jolie) and her younger brother Maddox Jolie‑Pitt stepped into the public eye again—this time not on a red carpet, but in the classifieds of major U.S. papers.

The ads, which appeared in outlets ranging from the Los Angeles Times to the New York Post, simply read, “We are no longer Pitt.” Beneath the stark headline were short messages from the siblings, thanking friends for their support and explaining that they will now use their mother’s surname exclusively.

It’s a gesture that might seem symbolic, but for Jolie and the kids it carries legal weight. Earlier this year, Angelina Jolie filed a petition in Los Angeles County court asking to change the children’s last names, arguing that a fresh start would be healthier after her divorce from Brad Pitt. A judge granted the request, paving the way for the public announcement.

“I’ve always wanted to protect my kids from the noise,” Jolie said in a brief interview, her voice soft but firm. “If a name change helps them feel more secure, then that’s the right thing to do.” The actress added that the decision was made jointly with the children, who were old enough to understand the significance.

Brad Pitt, who has kept a relatively low profile since the split, has not publicly commented on the name change. Sources close to the family say he respects the court’s ruling and is focusing on co‑parenting.

Legal analysts note that while a name change doesn’t erase the past, it can be a practical step for families navigating high‑profile separations. “It removes a constant reminder of the marital tie that no longer exists,” one attorney explained, “and it can help the kids carve out their own identity without media scrutiny.”

Fans and observers have taken to social media, posting mixed reactions—some praising the empowerment of the youngsters, others questioning the timing. Yet, for Zahara (20) and Maddox (18), the ads seem to be about closure more than drama.

“We just wanted to let people know we’re okay and we’re moving forward,” Maddox wrote in a short caption accompanying the newspaper clipping on his Instagram story. “It’s still us, just with a different last name.”

As the sisters step into adulthood, the name change may feel like a footnote in their biographies, but it underscores a broader trend: celebrities increasingly seeking to shield their children from the collateral damage of fame. For Jolie, it’s another chapter in a life already marked by bold choices, from humanitarian work to daring career moves.

Whether the world will remember Zahara and Maddox as “Jolie” or as “Pitt” is less important than the fact that they now have agency over how they’re introduced to the world. In a society that loves a good headline, this quiet ad might just be the most sincere one yet.