Brad Pitt’s Sobriety Revelation in Esquire UK
The 62-year-old actor disclosed his return to alcohol consumption during an extensive interview with Esquire UK. Pitt stated that he maintained sobriety for seven years following his 2016 separation from Jolie, but has since started drinking again in a more measured manner. “I was sober for 7 years. But I returned to drinking alcohol… In a more restrained way. I became too confident a few times, I told myself – no, it’s not good for me. Not in large quantities,” the actor told Esquire UK, as noted in the source material. He acknowledged overdoing it on a few occasions before recognizing that excessive consumption remained detrimental to him, explaining that he now limits himself to a few glasses of wine while attempting to maintain professional control.
Angelina Jolie Unfazed by Alcohol Admission
According to an anonymous source who spoke with Naughty But Nice, Jolie harbored no astonishment regarding Pitt’s public disclosure. “Angelina is not surprised. She tried to warn people. She knew this was always a possibility,” the source stated, as covered by life.dir.bg and Fakti.bg. The reports indicate that the actress never believed sobriety alone would resolve underlying issues she attributes to the actor, with the source adding that she maintains the view that Pitt has not fundamentally changed. This perspective ties back to the turbulent conclusion of their marriage in September 2016, which fractured during a private jet flight.

The 2016 Private Jet Incident and Subsequent Lifestyle Changes
The issue of alcohol has shadowed the former couple’s dynamic since their highly publicized split aboard a private aircraft nearly a decade ago. Court documents filed by Jolie alleged that Pitt had been drinking heavily during the flight and behaved aggressively toward her and several of their children, with accusations that he spilled beer on her and beer and wine on the children. Pitt denied those allegations, and an FBI investigation concluded without federal charges being filed against him. Following the incident, the actor stepped away from alcohol entirely, spending roughly a year and a half attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In a 2017 interview with GQ Style cited in supplementary coverage, Pitt candidly admitted the extent of his past drinking, remarking that he could “drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka” and describing himself as a “professional” at the time.
Ongoing Legal and Familial Tensions
The latest disclosures arrive while Pitt and Jolie continue to navigate protracted legal disputes and fractured family dynamics. Beyond their ongoing battle over the French estate and winery Château Miraval, the actor’s relationship with his six children remains heavily strained. Several of the younger family members have taken legal steps to drop the surname Pitt, choosing instead to use only Jolie in public and professional contexts. As both actors pursue separate paths, media coverage continues to circle back to the pivotal 2016 separation that permanently altered Hollywood’s most-watched family.

Pro Tip
When tracking celebrity legal battles and public statements, verify primary court documents and direct profile interviews, such as Pitt’s sit-down with Esquire UK, to distinguish verified personal disclosures from anonymous source claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Brad Pitt confirm he started drinking again?
Yes. According to his interview with Esquire UK, the actor stated that he ended seven years of complete sobriety and resumed drinking alcohol in a more restrained and moderate quantity.
How did Angelina Jolie react to the news?
According to a source close to the actress who spoke with Naughty But Nice, Jolie was not surprised by the revelation and felt that her former husband’s return to drinking was always a possibility.
What sparked Brad Pitt’s initial sobriety?
Pitt stopped drinking in 2016 following an argument aboard a private jet involving Jolie and their children, after which he spent roughly 18 months attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
What are your thoughts on Brad Pitt’s return to moderate drinking and the ongoing fallout with his family? Leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for more entertainment updates.
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