For the first time since his very public split from Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt has spoken publicly about his emotional year, in the summer issue of GQ Style.
In the interview (which took place at the Hollywood Hills home he used to share with Angelina and the kids), Brad talks about the positive changes he's made since the split
— including quitting alcohol and seeing a therapist.
I can't remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn't boozing or had a spliff, or something. Something. And you realize that a lot of it is, um—cigarettes, you know, pacifiers. And I'm running from feelings. I'm really, really happy to be done with all of that. I mean I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family...I was boozing too much. It's just become a problem. And I'm really happy it's been half a year now, which is bittersweet, but I've got my feelings in my fingertips again. I think that's part of the human challenge: You either deny them all of your life or you answer them and evolve.
Of course, the hardest part for both him and Angelina has been making sure their children don't suffer from the fallout.
He said that despite the drama, they have been working together to sort things out for the sake of the kids.
I was really on my back and chained to a system when Child Services was called. And you know, after that, we've been able to work together to sort this out. We're both doing our best. I heard one lawyer say, “No one wins in court—it's just a matter of who gets hurt worse.” And it seems to be true, you spend a year just focused on building a case to prove your point and why you're right and why they're wrong, and it's just an investment in vitriolic hatred. I just refuse. And fortunately my partner in this agrees. It's just very, very jarring for the kids, to suddenly have their family ripped apart.
But in the entire profile, he only mentions Angelina by name once, telling his interviewer: "You should see Angie's film."
Even though it's been a messy year, Brad said he's tried to learn from it and has been doing lots of soul-searching and working on himself:
"For me this period has really been about looking at my weaknesses and failures and owning my side of the street."
