Brad Pitt Seemingly Has Learnt One Lesson From Johnny Depp’s Legal Battle With Amber Heard
In the wake of his complicated divorce from Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt appears to be following Johnny Depp’s lead in trying to rehabilitate his image. After Depp’s legal victory over ex-wife Amber Heard earlier this year, Pitt seems to be adopting a similar strategy to counteract negative publicity stemming from his split from Jolie.
How is Brad Pitt Trying to Clear His Name?
The former Hollywood power couple filed for divorce in 2016 after 12 years together. Since then, sordid allegations have swirled around Pitt, threatening to tarnish his reputation. According to recent reports from Geo, Pitt has enlisted crisis management expert Matthew Hiltzik to spearhead his PR comeback. Hiltzik has previously done damage control for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Johnny Depp.
Sources claim Brad Pitt hopes to mimic Depp’s successful use of the courts to challenge damaging accusations. During Depp’s defamation trial against Heard, he was able to present evidence portraying himself as the victim of domestic abuse rather than the perpetrator.
Pitt seems to be following suit by disputing Angelina Jolie‘s version of events, including her account of an alleged altercation between Pitt and their son Maddox aboard a private plane.
What Does Brad Pitt Aim to Achieve Through This Strategy?
In addition to restoring his reputation generally, Pitt reportedly wants to rehabilitate his image when it comes to his relationship with his six children.
Custody disputes with Jolie have severely limited Pitt’s time with their kids over the past few years. By calling into question Jolie’s credibility, Pitt likely hopes to gain more favorable custody arrangements.
Evidently, Pitt sees Depp’s legal and PR tactics as a viable blueprint for reversing reputational damage in the midst of a contentious split. Only time will tell if Pitt’s efforts successfully bring his public perception and relationship with his children back from the brink.
How Did Brangelina’s Romance Begin?
Long before their turbulent divorce, Pitt and Jolie’s relationship started off as a scandalous Hollywood affair. They first met while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2004, while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston.
Despite denying early relationship rumors, both actors later acknowledged they “fell in love” on set. Just one month after Pitt and Aniston announced their separation in 2005, photos emerged of Brangelina on vacation together.
Their romance moved swiftly – by 2006, they had three adopted children together and confirmed Jolie’s pregnancy. Although criticized for beginning as an extramarital dalliance, Pitt and Jolie formed a steady partnership for over a decade before it all came crashing down.
