In a remarkably candid and wide-ranging interview, Angelina Jolie has opened up about her profound sense of betrayal by the Hollywood film industry, signalling a significant shift in her future career choices. The Oscar-winning actress and director suggests she may be stepping back from the limelight, stating she will be "more careful" about who she works with.
The interview, given to the Wall Street Journal to promote her new venture—a fashion collective called Atelier Jolie—quickly turned to the personal and professional fallout from her protracted and highly publicised divorce from Brad Pitt.
A Industry-Wide 'Betrayal'
Jolie did not hold back in her assessment of the entertainment business, revealing a deep-seated disillusionment. "I don't feel I've ever been part of Hollywood," she confessed, pointing to her unconventional upbringing and career path. She expressed shock at the behaviour she witnessed from people within the industry during her personal crisis, suggesting many showed their true, disappointing colours.
Her comments point to a feeling of abandonment by peers and colleagues, implying that the experience has fundamentally altered her perception of the business she has worked in for decades.
The Heart of the Conflict: Château Miraval
Central to the ongoing legal strife is the couple's former shared asset, the French winery and estate Château Miraval. What was once a symbol of their family's life together is now the subject of a bitter financial and legal dispute.
Jolie sold her stake in the estate to the Tenute del Mondo wine group, a move that Pitt's lawyers have fiercely contested. They allege she intentionally sold to a known rival to inflict "harm" on Pitt, a claim Jolie's camp vehemently denies. Her representatives counter that Pitt is seeking to control a asset she rightfully owns, despite refusing to sign a common non-disclosure agreement that would have prevented her from speaking openly about their past.
'I Don't Want to Go Big' Anymore
The cumulative stress of the legal battles and her experiences in Hollywood have led to a clear change in her ambitions. The actress famous for blockbuster franchises like Maleficent and Mr. & Mrs. Smith now says her priorities lie elsewhere.
"I'm just wanting to pull back and focus on the children and our family," she stated, emphasising a desire for a quieter, more purposeful life. This shift is embodied in her new project, Atelier Jolie, which focuses on creativity, craftsmanship, and giving a platform to diverse artists—a world away from the studio system she now views with caution.
Her final words on the matter serve as a powerful indictment of her recent experiences: "It's very dangerous to be in a business where people are so easily bought."
